The new year is a chance for people to reflect on how far they’ve come and to reset and refocus for the upcoming year. When it comes to the African diaspora we do it big, even if it’s just a chill kickback. There’s something about preparing for the new year that brings out festive traditions that help us get to the other side.
Across the diaspora,there are traditions we participate in to help us usher in blessings and good fortune. From food to dance to making noise to scare away the evil spirits, here are six common ways we celebrate the new year and send off our past with positive energy from around the world.
Soul Food
Black-eyed peas are in high demand this season because it’s time for Black folk with southern roots to make some Hoppin’ John. It’s a blend of rice and peas that symbolizes luck and prosperity in the new year.It’s customary to eat them on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to get things started off right.There are versions of this custom where some people place a penny (cleaned, of course) in a pot of hoppin’ John, and whoever gets that penny is said to be set for the best luck of the year. we also can’t forget our greens. Collard greens signify wealth and are yet another staple in African American cuisine. Think about it, the leaves are folded like money, and Hoppin’ John isn’t complete unless paired with some greens and cornbread too.
Cleaning House
Cleaning and decluttering make for better feng
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