Peas have a warm and fuzzy vibe. The very name sounds like peace, and the cliche, “like peas in a pod,” denotes compatibility. Along the same lines, the phrase “like peas and carrots” refers to things that go together harmoniously.
Snap peas, being so sweet and fun to pick, are a hit with kids. Shelling peas, not quite so much, as the kids are often roped into doing the shelling. But when the peas are out of the pod, having a bowl of those vitamin-rich spheroids yields a special kind of power. With a bowl on hand, you can add them to a dish with a flick of the wrist that looks like you’re casting a spell, and in the time it takes to say abracadabra, your dish is healthier, and more fun.
