TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - At Kilgore's Supermarket in Tupelo, there are certain big sellers this time of year.
Jason Kilgore said, "Most of our customers are buying black-eyed peas, hog jowl, cabbage and greens."
Customers we talked to say eating one or all of these foods is a tradition on New Year's Day passed down from their parents and grandparents.
Robert Dilworth of Shannon said, "Give me some black-eyed peas and cornbread. I've already got me some food layed out. I've got it cooking right now!"
One 87-year-old Tupelo woman has visitors coming in for the holiday and her table will be set.
Helen Holland said, "I've got collard greens, hog jowl, some chicken and sweet potatoes! Man, I'm ready!"
Customers say the foods are to bring good luck and wealth in the new year.
Whatever the reasons for eating them, shoppers want these foods this week out of the year more than any other.
Kilgore said, "We have a large stock on black-eyed peas, cabbage and the good luck items everybody is looking for. We'll probably sell more this time of the year than we will the rest of the year."
There are other must-have foods eaten by people, probably other than southerners, on New Year's Day.
Many Asians believe eating long noodles brings a long life.
Grapes are eaten in Spain at midnight on January 1st.
Many there eat one grape at that time for each stroke of the clock.
