‘Hoppin’ John’ is a popular New Year’s Day dish counted on to bring good luck to traditionalists throughout the South. Made of black-eyed peas, rice, and ham, each ingredient represents good fortune that culminates in a year of prosperity when eaten at the stroke of midnight. For those of you planning on celebrating New Year’s Eve downtown, we encourage you to stop by Jackson’s at midnight for your own sampling as we will be serving complementary Hoppin” John to all!
While each ingredient in Hoppin’ John symbolizes luck on its own, the trifecta effect commences when you eat them all together. Black-eyed peas swell when cooked, which symbolizes growth. They also look a bit like a coin, although looks are not always enough. Some people toss a dime in the pot to give extra fortune to the lucky eater who ends up with money in their dish. Rice also plumps up as it’s cooked, which signifies abundance in the coming year. Ham, or pork, makes its claim to positivity because pigs root ahead as they feed, which represents forward motion.
There are as many variations to traditional Hoppin’ John recipes as there are theories on where the name originated, here are a few:
- Children hopped around the table before sitting down to eat, as part of a New Year’s Day ritual.
- It was a Southern tradition to invite a guest to eat by saying, “Hop in, John.”
Although the origin is a bit loose – and the scientific proof that the dish brings prosperity is not exactly proven – we do know that black-eye peas (Cowpeas) were fed to cattle before becoming a dish of good fortune for Southerners. They grow very easily in our warm climate and offer themselves abundantly.
Come out to Jackson’s and start your New Year right! And, before ringing in 2010 with the good fortune of Hoppin’ John, say farewell to 2009 at one of our two fixed-price seatings – complete with a three-course menu, bottomless champagne, a performance by the Kitt Lough Trio, party favors and valet service.
For more reading on good luck foods, check out http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/newyearsday/luckyfoods
Have you heard a different theory about the origin of Hoppin’ John? What ‘good luck’ foods do you recommend?
| Share | Eat Your Way to Prosperity this New Year with Good Luck Food |
Best place for a business lunch in Pensacola is Jacksons! Love the chef’s food, atmosphere and service!
Vicki: Thank you so much for the note as we all really appreciate the feedback!
Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am inspired! Extremely useful info particularly the last phase
I take care of such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a very lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.