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.
How to Cook Hoppin’ Johns with Black Eye Peas
In the South, you must have Black Eye Peas for New Year. Why not try them with your Hoppin’ Johns. With help from Rashuanda Grant of The Carolina Cookery, we want you to learn how
Easy Outdoor Summer Entertaining Tips from Co-Founders of Coterie
Summer is here and it is time to get ready for outdoor party fun! Whether you are headed to the beach or hanging out on the patio, hosting skills are always a must. Today we
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
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
Lowcountry Staycation: Charleston Native Explores Her Own City
Hotel Emeline is the most beautiful hotel that I’ve stayed at. It’s aesthetically pleasing, the food options are amazing and the room…THE ROOM. It’s the size of a small one bedroom apartment.It’s tucked away on
5 Black-Owned Restaurants to Order Online Catering from Goldbelly for New Year and Beyond
Instead of creating a full-course meal to bring in the New Year, take a slight break and have a few items catered. Enjoyed more time creating your vision board, taking down Christmas decorations, and organizing
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.
