I’d Think Twice Before eating those Black-Eyed Peas and Cabbage….At least not on THIS day!!

[Eccl. 12:13]

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I'm sure most have no idea why these two items, along with many more, are consumed on New Years day. But it’s been something that has been passed down for many generations. It's a tradition that has been observed for a very long time.

I'm sure all of these customs appear to be harmless, but the truth of the matter is this..............they are ALL superstitions!!!

Let’s read what God’s word has to say about such things;

Deut.18
[9] When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Now let’s read some of the practices and people we are to avoid;

[11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
[12] For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

And here is what Paul said;

Acts 17
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Now let’s read the definition of a charm;

- something supposed to bring luck: something carried or worn because it is believed to bring good luck or ward off evil

- magic spell: a special phrase or rhyme believed to have magical powers

- cast a spell: to affect somebody or something by, or as if by, the use of a supposed magic spell

Now just from what we have read, do you think God would approve of people who engaged in such activities? Of course not!

But like I said, most are not even aware of the fact that they are even doing something superstitious. They simply do it because it is something their parents did, and their parents before them and even their parents before them.

Well let’s find out what eating certain foods have to do with bringing in the New Year!


"Black-eyed peas, meant to represent coins, often are served with collard greens in the South, symbolizing dollars, so the dish is eaten to bring good luck and good fortune in the coming year"

"The Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune."

"Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency."

“In Germany, pretzels are a traditional good-luck food. Children even wear them around their necks on New Year's.”

“In Greek households, the lucky bread is vasilopita, a yeast cake that's associated with St. Basil's Day, also celebrated on Jan. 1.”

“The Cantonese eat oysters on New Year because their name in that language sounds like the word for "good business."

“Legumes are extremely popular when it comes to New Year's good-luck foods and can be spotted in many cultural feasts. Legumes in general are major good-luck items because of their shape, and they plump up, sort of fatten up and grow. Growth is also symbolic for the coming year."

These and many other foods are eaten on New Years day for the chance of bringing “Good Luck” for the coming year.

Now does God want us to rely on the eating of certain foods or Him for our prosperity?

Like I said…..some are not even aware of the reasons these things are done. They do them out of tradition, but would God approve.

Think about it…..now that you know….what will you do next New Year?

Let’s just picture this;

Let’s just say Jesus returned at the stroke of midnight on New Year 2011;

What would He find?

Home after home after home ALL eating "black eyed-peas, cabbage and corned beef"!

Now how would you explain that?

If He asked you, "What is this custom you are partaking in?" What would you say?

If He asked, "Why do you do such things if you do not believe in them? What will be your reply?


Don't forget now......you are about to answer a being that knows your every thought!!!!


Now that you know………..what will YOU say?

More so.....what will you be eating NEXT New Year's day!


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[newview]

Where we are from the tradition is to have chittlins along with those black eyed peas...YUM YUM.Sadly - I didnt get a chance to go out and get any chittlins and hog maws (I could do without the black eyed peas). :-)

But now that you brought it up - I may go out and get some chitllins later on in the week.

[Chaplain Pat Harris]

Where we are from the tradition is to have chittlins along with those black eyed peas...YUM YUM.

Newview, you do believe in keepin' it real. . . .LOL, LOL,LOL,

[Evangelist Altha Fugett]

Praise the Lord lol, I ate my mother/law's cabbage and blackeye peas, ummmm ummm good. Eccl. thanks for the post very interesting! I thank my God, YHWH for every peice of food I put in my mouth, no matter what day it is.

Father God, I ate these things because they were part of the menu that was being served, and they were pleasing to my taste buds, they are not a custom of my heart.

and I would pray Father, thank you for this food I am about to recieve for the nourishing of my body for Christ's sake Amein' as I always do

[Chaplain Pat Harris]

I thank my God, YHWH for every peice of food I put in my mouth, no matter what day it is.

Amen, Evang Fugett. . .those chittlins show was good! LOL, LOL, LOL

[Eccl. 12:13]

Eating certain foods on New Year's day is a world wide superstition.

"Black-eyed peas, meant to represent coins, often are served with collard greens in the South, symbolizing dollars, so the dish is eaten to bring good luck and good fortune in the coming year"

"The Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune."

"Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency."

“In Germany, pretzels are a traditional good-luck food. Children even wear them around their necks on New Year's.”

“In Greek households, the lucky bread is vasilopita, a yeast cake that's associated with St. Basil's Day, also celebrated on Jan. 1.”

“The Cantonese eat oysters on New Year because their name in that language sounds like the word for "good business."

“Legumes are extremely popular when it comes to New Year's good-luck foods and can be spotted in many cultural feasts. Legumes in general are major good-luck items because of their shape, and they plump up, sort of fatten up and grow. Growth is also symbolic for the coming year."

These and many other foods are eaten on New Years day for the chance of “Good Luck” for the coming year.

Let’s read what God’s word has to say about such things;

Deut.18
[9] When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Now let’s read some of the practices and people we are to avoid;

[11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
[12] For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.


Here is the definition of a charm;

- something supposed to bring luck: something carried or worn because it is believed to bring good luck or ward off evil

- magic spell: a special phrase or rhyme believed to have magical powers

- cast a spell: to affect somebody or something by, or as if by, the use of a supposed magic spell


I does not matter whether you believe or not as far as what is supposed to happen by eating certain foods on New Years day, it still does not change the fact that the action itself is still a superstition.

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