Reply #69: Our neighbors have a big party for this tradition.

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They cook a huge pot of black eyed peas and another one of greens. I'm not sure what kind of greens it is but they are very bitter. I only eat a couple of beans and one tiny piece of the greens. They are supposed to bring luck and money in the new year. It's supposed to be a "Southern tradition" and I guess technically San Diego is in the south, but they are the only people in San Diego that I know of who do this. It's an open house and potluck, everybody brings a dish to share, so there are like 50 other things to eat too. I baked a huge flan today, the first time I have ever made flan. The party goes for 4 hours in the afternoon and there is live music and you can dance if you want, but most people just eat and socialize. It's always a lot of fun. I have gone to that party the last 4 years and always eaten at least a few black-eyed peas and one bit of the greens, but sadly, it has never brought me luck or money.