Black-eyed peas are a traditional New Year's Eve or New Year's Day good-luck food in the southern United States.
They are commonly served in a dish called Hoppin’ John, often with rice, pork, and seasonings. The peas are associated with prosperity, while greens may represent money and cornbread may symbolize gold. Recipes vary widely across the American South, and families often add their own ingredients or serving customs.
The tradition has been linked to African American foodways and to Civil War-era Southern history. One popular story says that black-eyed peas and pork were among the few foods left after Union troops destroyed other supplies, making them symbols of humility and survival. Historians note that the custom has multiple cultural influences and cannot be reduced to one confirmed origin story.
The dish is usually eaten on January 1, although many celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve. Black-eyed peas are legumes, not green peas, and belong to the cowpea group.