The predominant belief in the Southern United States is that eating Black-eyed Peas on New Year's Eve brings good luck, health, and prosperity on New Year's Day and beyond. There are many different stories surrounding this popular ritual. My personal favorite is a story from modernfarmer.com, which states that freed slaves ate black-eyed peas as a celebration at the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the tiny black-eyed bean becoming a symbol of hope and prosperity.