Hoppin’ John is the traditional Southern United States dish of black-eyed peas and rice associated with New Year’s Eve.
The dish usually combines black-eyed peas with rice, onion, and some form of pork, although recipes vary by region and family. It is particularly associated with the American South and with hopes for prosperity in the coming year.
A common New Year’s meal pairs Hoppin’ John with collard greens and cornbread. Greens are popularly linked with money, while cornbread can symbolize gold; these meanings are customary interpretations rather than ingredients required in every recipe.
The dish’s history reflects West African, African American, and Southern foodways. The name’s origin is uncertain, and explanations involving a person or folk character called Hoppin’ John remain debated. The food itself is more firmly documented than any single explanation of the name.