In the Philippines, New Year festivities are loaded with fun, and idiosyncratic observances. First of all, the entire nation transforms into an unimaginable world of fireworks.
There are a lot of other intriguing Filipino practices with superstitions related to New Year.
For quite a long time, Filipinos have practiced different traditions to welcome the approaching year. Many do it with optimism and hope of a prosperous New Year. These customs have been passed down with one generation onto the next. Below are some of the popular Filipino New Year traditions:
7. Wearing Polka Dots
For Filipinos, wearing anything round implies prosperity. The polka dots represent cash and fortune.
6. Jumping as High as You Can When the Clock Hits 12
Kids are urged to jump as high as they can when the clock hits 12. Filipinos believe it will make them taller in the New Year.
5. Media Noche
New year’s festival for the Filipinos isn’t finished without the old Filipino custom, Media Noche. During new year’s eve, Filipino families, family members and friends assemble for a luxurious 12 PM feast that represents their expectations for thriving and a plentiful year ahead.
4. Round-Shaped Fruits
For some it’s 12, 13 or 14 – however it doesn’t really make a difference as long as you have round fruits on the table. Filipinos trust that round is an image for prosperity and fortune. The round fruits are frequently the focal point of the Media Noche. Fruits with thorns like pineapple, jackfruit and durian are kept away from the table as thorns represent issues or hindrances.
3. Pancit (long noodles) for Good Health and Long Life
Filipinos accept that eating pancit (long noodles) during new year will assist in bringing luck as well as good health and long life.
2. Sticky Rice for Stronger Family Ties
Filipinos believe that eating sticky rice like bibingka, biko and tikoy will keep family ties stronger. This is likewise accepted to convey favorable luck.
1. Collecting Coins
Another well known practice particularly among youngsters is to top off one’s pockets with coins and shake the pockets at 12 midnight. This practice is accepted to bring favorable luck. Some likewise spread coins around their home – at each nook and corner, inside drawers, on tables and anyplace they believe will bring them more luck and cash.
Did we miss anything? What are some of the New Year traditions you and your family celebrate?