In many Southern communities, Watch Night Services will take place in many churches. It’s a tradition that goes back to 1862, when enslaved Africans in South Carolina prayed and stayed awake to enjoy their first day of freedom – January 1, 1863 or Freedom’s Eve – in a divided United States. Today, some churches will hold services into the New Year while others will begin and end a service early, so that members can get home to entertain or be entertained.
New Year’s Eve Travel: Historic Black Churches to Visit for Watch Night Celebrations
Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Why not take a trip and celebrate a New Year’s Eve Watch Night at a Historic Black Church. Watch Night, also called Freedom’s Eve, Christian religious
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Small Kids
As the New Year approaches, I am reminded of a few Southern traditions and superstitions. When we were young, my mother would remove every Christmas decoration before the New Year as she thought it would
Black Heritage Travels: How to Experience Middle Tennessee This Fall
Middle Tennessee could provide the perfect recipe for romance that includes whiskey, great food, carriage rides and copper skies. The region’s vegetation is beautiful year-round but fall arrives with a colorful treat to the eye due
How to Cook Turnip Greens with Smoked Turkey Wings
For me, Turnip Greens are a delicacy. I grew up on all different types of greens and turnip greens are my favorite. I love the bitterness and shape taste, and paired with fresh rutabagas (especially
Recap: 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards Yields More Firsts for African Americans
They are called the “Oscars” of the culinary industry, and this year’s series of James Beard Foundation Awards programming were filled with pageantry and glamour, including a red carpet event. Unlike last year, there were
Gullah Watch Night Menu Inspiration – Classic Freedom’s Eve Dinner
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Watch Night or New Year’s Eve? Why not try out this classic Gullah Watch Night menu for a heritage food-inspired Freedom’s Eve dinner. Full of Gullah staples such
SHOP OUR FAVORITES
Southern Bred, Soul Infused
Our Food Historian Robin Caldwell describes,
Adhering to the many food traditions and customs is an artful act in our homes. It’s as important not to eat some foods on New Year’s Eve as what to eat that day. If you eat fowl or anything that can fly, your good luck can fly away before the New Year. Also, you don’t want to eat anything that can move fast backwards like lobster, crab and shrimp, unless of course you want your good fortune to be left behind. But you can eat fish on New Year’s Eve. There is the belief that since black-eyed peas swell, eating them will cause your bank account to swell in the New Year. Greens such as collards represent dollars and when served with cornbread even more luck will follow. Rice is also considered a good luck food and Hoppin’ John is a favored tradition in the lowcountry.
