In the Southern United States, a traditional food item eaten on New Year's Day is black-eyed peas, often served with collard greens and cornbread. This meal is steeped in cultural significance, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the coming year. The custom dates back to the Civil War era when black-eyed peas were considered a staple food. Eating them on New Year's day is thought to ensure financial fortune and abundance. The collard greens symbolize paper money, and the cornbread represents gold, creating a meal that embodies wishes for wealth and prosperity in the new year.