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.
Black Holiday NYE Traditions: The History Watch Night and How to Celebrate Virtually
Never once would I have imagined not being able to physically attend Watch Night services in the presence of my own church family or with plenty of family and friends. With Covid-19 constantly changing the
Healthy Black-Eyed Pea Appetizers for New Year’s Eve
When bringing in the New Year, a few Southern traditions and superstitions come to mind! My mom always made sure that she did not wash on New Year’s Day because she feared that she might
Lowcountry Juneteenth: Inspiration for How to Celebrate Juneteenth at Home
One of my favorite holidays to celebrate is Juneteenth. This year I decided to host a Lowcountry Juneteenth in my home with a few of my favorite Juneteeth foods and Lowcountry style. If you are
FAMU Alum Tells Her African-American Holiday Traditions in Florida’s Gulf Coast
Growing up in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast was extraordinary. The holiday season was the most wonderful time of the year in our beloved city. From holiday traditions and rituals, to the great food and drinks,
Black Southern Belles Share Special Watch Night Memories and NYE Traditions
We know the food traditions and even have a few treasured recipes to bring in the New Year. But sometimes it’s the memories and family traditions that linger and inspire even more. These wonderful Black
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
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.
