This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Among many Southern (US folks) as well as African-Americans, there are some very tried-and-true News Year Day
superstitions traditions. And me being a lover of cultural rituals, I look forward to them - even if I don't always follow through.
1. First visitor to cross your threshold must be a man. I heard a lot of explanations for this, but the only written account I came across was a supposed slave narrative. Slaves were given 'time off' from December 26 - December 31. Families would visit friends and relations at nearby plantations. It was a jubilant time - sharing news, and hugs and kisses. And it is supposed to be the origin of the Watch Night Church service. Since slaves had to return to work by the morning January 1, they would stay up all night worshipping, singing hymns. Just before dawn the men would visit ladies one last time to give them luck for the year.
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2. Must eat greens and black eyed peas on New Years Day. This is so common now that I think it has become officially mainstream. Southern Blacks and Whites (who despite years of social and economic segregation have SO much in common culturally when it comes to food) would look at you with side eye if dared reject at least a forkful of each. I was told eating each would bring good luck, namely financial prosperity. I've had an up-and-down relationship with both of these foods. I ate them as a kid, but didn't really like either. During my teens I despised both. Now as a adult, I love both. If cooked properly, (and with corn bread), then watch out.
3. Unpleasant pork products must be consumed, namely
chitlins chitterlings or hog-head cheese. I am sure you can tell I am biased. I grew up eating pork, but was never a fan of the less-than-choice parts like pig feet, snoots, and organ meats. As one friend said, "That is slave food and that tradition dies with my parents." Yeah, many of us in the younger generations don't appreciate the taste of chitlins.
I was never a fan of them. They stunk up the house to high-heaven. When I was told that they are pig's intenstines, I was immediately turned off. But the ceremony of the chitlin preparation is very familiar (and heart-warming to me). My maternal grandmother would thaw out a 10 pound red bucket of chitlins then wash, pick thru, rinse and repeat several times.
Rich in calories, these foods took a long time to prepare so there were often presented for special occasions only, like the holidays.
I tried chitlins only once. They reminded me of a pile of wet rubberbands in color and texture. Even with hotsauce, I couldn't enjoy them.
But chitlins are a very important food item. If you enjoy sausages in natural casing then that's chitlins, but not just from pigs - sheep, goat and cattle intestines linings have served as sausage casing for many centuries. And lambskin condoms are made from sheep 'chitlins'. Ain't that something?
Have a safe, happy, prosperous, and savory new year!
DNLee