Most of Arkansas’ superstitions and traditions are food based – New Years is no exception! This southern meal is old timer-approved to ensure a good year. Let’s take all of our positive vibes, good thoughts, and best luck with us as we cook up this super-powered meal. We may not know what 2021 will bring, but rest assured, we’ll try our darnedest to have a good year!
Most Arkansans are used to eating a certain spread on New Year’s Day.
Getty Images/Warren_Price This year may be one of the most important times to remember what all to put on the table! A strong helping of the craziness 2020 brought was out of our hands but we can sure try to start 2021 off with as much luck, wealth, and happiness possible.
First, start with a pork-based main dish.
Flickr/wEnDy The porcine superstition is supposed to give us progress. Since pigs are unable to turn their head, they must be (metaphorically speaking) always looking towards the future. This notion is also why we’re not suppose to eat lobster (since they can swim backwards) nor chicken (because they scratch backwards).
My household always prepared pulled pork (because BBQ sauce can solve any problem) but sliced ham, hog jowls, or any other pork-based dish is acceptable.
Next, add some greenery.
Flickr/Tom Ipri Like mama said, “you can’t make money if you don’t eat greens!” Greens on the table represent dollar bills, so be sure to grab an extra helping or two. Collard greens seem to be the Arkansas favorite but spinach, turnip greens, or even boiled cabbage are just fine.
Toss in some peas.
Flickr/Travis Nep Smith Peas and beans symbolize change (both money and turn of luck) so add a hearty helping to your New Year’s Day plate. Black-eyed peas are the most common variation but since this is Arkansas, purple-hull peas are good, too!
And don’t forget the cornbread!
Getty Images/Bruce Peter Morin Like any of us would forget this vital side item. Corn is a symbol of gold so surely cornbread will mean our wealth will “rise” throughout the year. It may also help you “sop up” every chance for good luck, too!
Sweet or spicy doesn’t negate the cornbread magic so feel free to toss in your canned garden jalapenos or top it with your favorite local honey.
We did cover the classic southern sides for a good New Year’s meal; however, this year may need an extra helping.
Getty Images/sbossert Since this year has been such a doozy, it wouldn’t hurt to add some extra good luck food from other cultures. Go ahead and add grapes, fish, and doughnuts to the table - we need all the good luck food going into 2021!
Is this the meal your family typically eats for New Years? Are there any other good luck traditions/superstitions you’d like to share with the group? Tell us in the comments below!
Getty Images/Warren_Price
This year may be one of the most important times to remember what all to put on the table! A strong helping of the craziness 2020 brought was out of our hands but we can sure try to start 2021 off with as much luck, wealth, and happiness possible.
Flickr/wEnDy
The porcine superstition is supposed to give us progress. Since pigs are unable to turn their head, they must be (metaphorically speaking) always looking towards the future. This notion is also why we’re not suppose to eat lobster (since they can swim backwards) nor chicken (because they scratch backwards).
My household always prepared pulled pork (because BBQ sauce can solve any problem) but sliced ham, hog jowls, or any other pork-based dish is acceptable.
Flickr/Tom Ipri
Like mama said, “you can’t make money if you don’t eat greens!” Greens on the table represent dollar bills, so be sure to grab an extra helping or two. Collard greens seem to be the Arkansas favorite but spinach, turnip greens, or even boiled cabbage are just fine.
Flickr/Travis Nep Smith
Peas and beans symbolize change (both money and turn of luck) so add a hearty helping to your New Year’s Day plate. Black-eyed peas are the most common variation but since this is Arkansas, purple-hull peas are good, too!
Getty Images/Bruce Peter Morin
Like any of us would forget this vital side item. Corn is a symbol of gold so surely cornbread will mean our wealth will “rise” throughout the year. It may also help you “sop up” every chance for good luck, too!
Sweet or spicy doesn’t negate the cornbread magic so feel free to toss in your canned garden jalapenos or top it with your favorite local honey.
Getty Images/sbossert
Since this year has been such a doozy, it wouldn’t hurt to add some extra good luck food from other cultures. Go ahead and add grapes, fish, and doughnuts to the table - we need all the good luck food going into 2021!
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Address: Arkansas, USA
