Like you, I never heard of black-eyed peas and turnip greens being eaten on New Years Day. Having been born and raised in Lancaster County, Pa., I have never celebrated the New Year without having sauerkraut and pork with mashed potatoes. To this day, I continue to make it. I was always told it was "to bring good luck through the new year". As a youngster, I was taught how to make the sauerkraut. We used large crocks, filled them with layers of shredded cabbage and salt, and placed them in the dark cellar. We learned about the fermenting process and looked forward to that wonderful meal.