@Wishing4Wings, I have no idea why red eye gravy is lucky but the tradition of black eyed peas for prosperity and luck in the new year goes back to the Civil War. My mom was from the south and she always made Black Eyed peas and Red Eye gravy for New Years.
How she made Red Eye Gravy was from the 'drippings' left over from frying pork chops, added to flour and coffee. Yeah, Coronary bypass special at best which is why I don't make it.
Black eyed peas look like small navy beans with a black spot in the middle where the pea attaches to the inside of the pod.