Black-eyed peas are a staple in the southern states. You'll find everyday peas cooked with spices and meat, black-eyed peas in soups, and even in salads. Black-eyed peas are thought to bring luck when eaten on the first day of the new year, so you'll find people from many regions cooking peas on new year's day. The peas are said to symbolize coins, while greens or cabbage resemble paper money, and the pork seasoning is thought to mean prosperity. The cornbread served with them probably stands for gold.