Southern folklore for good tidings
HALEY PAYNE ROBERTS
MCO Senior Staff Writer
The holidays in the South are all about family, food, and a good dose of tradition sprinkled with a little bit of superstition. It’s the time of year when kitchens are filled with the smell of pecan pie and cornbread, porches twinkle with lights, and everyone gathers to celebrate the season. But in true Southern fashion, it’s not just about the festivities – plenty of old beliefs continue to brighten holiday routines.
Maybe you’ve heard that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day brings good luck or that you shouldn’t sweep on New Year’s Day unless you want to “sweep” your blessings out the door. These little bits of folklore have been passed down through generations, adding a lovely charm to the season.
Fruit Cake – Though it originated in Europe during the Middle Ages, fruit cake is an Appalachian staple. Depending on one’s European ancestry, the content of fruit cake ranges from candied peel and ginger to liqueur or marzipan. Some have “poor man’s fruit cake,” which is actually an apple stack cake. Regardless of the definition, Appalachians believe that eating a slice at Christmas brings luck in the coming year.
Cornbread – Cornbread is a staple for any Southern meal, but it symbolizes more than a good side for some. Many Southerners say that cornbread symbolizes gold, promising riches in the new year. Remember to get yourself an extra serving at Christmas dinner this year!
Hog Jowl – Generally, pigs represent health and wealth in Southern folklore since a whole pig could often last a family through the winter. Since pigs can’t turn their heads all the way around, they’re also said to represent looking forward, so hog jowl is a must-have on the New Year’s menu.
Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens – As with most superstitions on this list, black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day promise future good luck and wealth. Black-eyed peas expand when cooked, symbolizing an expansion of wealth, and the color of collard greens represents money.
Stringing Popcorn – While it’s often viewed as a tedious task, stringing popcorn symbolizes togetherness during the holidays. The tradition originated in colonial Williamsburg as an alternative to garland. To add a pop of color, German American immigrants added dried fruit and nuts to this decor.
Hanging Stockings – Before electricity, people used to hang washed stockings by the fire during winter to dry. As the myth goes, St. Nicholas dropped gold coins down a poor family’s chimney, which landed in their stockings. Now, this tradition represents hope during the holidays.
Pennies in Exchange for Knives – When gifted a knife, you’re supposed to give a coin to the gifter in return. Superstition states that knife blades sever ties, but giving a coin in return symbolizes a solid object to deflect any bad luck.
Candles in the Window – Also originating in the colonies, lit candles in the window represent a warm welcome during Christmas. Lit candles often signaled to passersby that food and shelter were inside and all were welcome to visit and indulge. Another fine example of Southern hospitality.
Cleaning on New Year’s Day – You’re never supposed to sweep on New Year’s Day, as it is seen as a symbolic sweeping away of good fortune. Washing clothes also washes away good luck for family members. It guarantees that the washing machine will run every day of the new year.
By embracing superstition, Southerners honor their heritage and create a sense of continuity and belonging that brings people together. These traditions remind us that the holiday season is as much about shared experiences and stories as it is about celebrating the present and looking forward to the future.
