Prince George's County is the Richest County in the World. It is also one of the largest, or, majority Black population in Southern Maryland. One could possibly contribute its riches to a southern New Year's tradition that's been passed down for centuries. Some consider it to be a superstition while others can testify to their belief as it being the most important event to do on New Year's Day.
There are a ton of New Year's Day Traditions that are completed in households throughout Prince George's County, but, none are quite defined and understood as the one tradition that brings fortune and prosperity into the household throughout the year.
Here's an example of a tradition that's not money related but has other implications for Southern Style Living.
1) You must make sure there's no dirty laundry taken into the New Year; or,
2) You must make sure your home is clean and the trash is taken out.
You must do these things before New Years Day. Why? Well, the truth is, no one can give you one straight answer; but, the thought is to ensure your home is maintained in an orderly fashion throughout the year. With order, comes peace of mind. A lot of folks have slipped away from this tradition. You can tell from all the household drama being exploited in the local news and Church qossip pews.
One tradition that's holding strong is the tradition of Black-eyed Peas, and a choice of greens, i.e., Collard or Kale or Cabbage. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity into the household all year long. However, as each generation practices the tradition, it takes on a more defined meaning such as "good fortune" instead of "good luck". One believes to be blessed with fortune and not luck these days.
Black-eyed Peas are dried peas, tan in color with a black spot centered in the pea just like an eyeball. They can be found at most supermarkets in the dried beans section. One bag is plenty for a family of 4 to 6 members; however, if you're entertaining, you may want 2 to 3 bags depending on the size of your crowd.
They are usually prepared as a side dish to complement another side dish of fresh cooked Collard Greens or Cabbage. Of course you can prepare a main course meat, such as Pot Roast or Ham and baked cornbread to top it all off.
To prepare your black-eyed Peas, you will need to rinse the entire bag of peas in a strainer. Remove any objects not resembling the pea and then let them sit in cold water to soak over night. You must do this step to help with cooking time of a couple of hours or follow the quick cook suggestions on the backside of the package.
You can add some pork, beef or turkey bones to enhance its flavor. Chicken or Beef Broth is also a great substitute for those with health issues. Plus, season with salt, pepper, some chopped onions, or your choice of seasonings to taste. Keep the flames low to a simmer and stir so the peas don't stick to the bottom of the pan at least a few times throughout the hour. You'll know when they are ready as the water thickens and the peas are soft to almost mushy.
You can't have your Black-eye Peas without the Collard Greens or Cabbage. I prefer Cabbage, however, either one will require a rinse, chop, and then placed in a quart pot with water, a little oil, salt, pepper, a little sprinkle of sugar and a ham or turkey bone or chicken or beef broth. With the cabbage, chop a couple of slices of green peppers into dice pieces and substitute oil with a half of stick of butter or margerine.
Your collard greens will take much longer to cook than your cabbage. Collard Greens will cook for about two hours until tender and it only takes about 30 to 40 minutes for the cabbage.
You want to get up early on New Years Day to prepare your meal. At dinner time, gather your family around the dinner table, give all honors and glory to God and His Son Jesus in prayer. Everyone is encouraged to have several helpings and enjoy.
Possibly if you pass this tradition on in your part of town, you will experience the awesome prosperity our County continues to enjoy each New Year.
Happy New Year to you and yours...May your belief be as strong as ours and your life filled with prosperous growth throughout each New Year!
