New Years Day, Independence, and Soup Joumou

A major tradition in my Haitian family is celebrating our independence on the first day of January by eating squash soup surrounded by family and friends. In 1804 on January 1, Haitians proclaimed independence from the French and became the first independent nation. Drinking squash soup which is known as Soup Joumou to Haitians represents freedom and helps us celebrate our independence that our ancestors proclaimed many years ago. Since gaining our independence in 1804, Haitians have kept this tradition alive for decades and passed it down to the next generations. We eat Soup Joumou on our independence day because after winning the war, Haitians choose to eat the soup because when they were slaves, they weren’t allowed to eat it, however when they gained their independence the soup symbolized our freedom and independence. 

Every year on New Year’s Day, I look forward to not only the New Year, but also celebrating my country’s independence. It brings me joy to eat multiple bowls of Soup Joumou, even the following days after. Eating Soup Joumou on the first of January is a tradition for Haitians all around the world, regardless of if you ask a Haitian in Paris or New York what their plans are for New Year’s Day. Haitian Independence Day makes me prideful of my Haitian roots and a connection to my ancestors. Someday when I have children of my own, I can’t wait to pass down the tradition to them and teach them the history of how we gained our independence along with the significance of Soup Joumou.