Greek Luck In The New Year

In America, and especially in the South, folks scramble to cook up some black eyed peas on New Year's Day - for a bit of luck in the coming year.  Of course - black eyed peas are not a typical part of Greek cuisine. It's a folktale, or superstition - but it's not uncommon and Greece has it's own 'Good luck' traditions for New Year's.

In Greece, the Squill (sea onion) is a common plant - mostly found around the island of Crete. It grows wild and is actually quite disagreeable to some. It's poisonous to animals and can cause a rash if it makes contact with the skin.  It is a unique plant; it will continue to bloom and grow even after it's pulled.

Since the 6th Century BC - The Greeks believe that it's strong survival to grow after being pulled can benefit and be transmitted to people and inanimate objects - so one might find a sea onion hanging in a home or worn around the neck at the New Year.

Visit us at Ziziki's, Ziziki's Taverna, and The Greek -  Dallas Greek Restaurants.  We don't cook with sea onions, by the way. OPA!