By Patricia Lanzagarita
MANILA — A brand new year is almost upon us and as the world welcomes 2024, people will also gather to celebrate this very significant celebration to all mankind.
In line with this, Filipinos have traditions during the occasion which include superstitions and customs that are believed to help people achieve certain goals for the new year. These customs have been passed from generation to generation to the point where they are still being practiced even these days.
Media Noche
If Filipinos have Noche Buena during Christmas, they also have Media Noche during New Year. Families prepare a sophisticated and scrumptious midnight feast for the said occasion. It is said to symbolize prosperity and an abundant year ahead as members of the family are gathered during this time and the dinner table is fully decorated.
Round-shaped fruits
Every dinner table in Filipino homes during the New Year is incomplete if it doesn’t have a basket full of round-shaped fruits. Some people prepare 12 different kinds of fruits. It is believed that these fruits are a sign of prosperity and fortune.
Making noise
Did you ever get curious as to why Filipinos make noise to celebrate the new year? Known as the main highlight of the celebration, making noise is said to cast away or scare evil spirits and bad luck inside and outside of their homes.
Eat sticky rice
Completing the set of food with dessert, sticky rice such as biko and tikoy should be prepared on this occasion. Eating various delicacies made up of sticky rice is said to bring good fortune and will strengthen the bond of the family.
Jumping at midnight
Parents and adults advise children to jump when the clock finally reaches midnight as Filipino elders believe that jumping at exactly the new year will help them to grow taller as they grow old.
These are just a few examples of every tradition and customs that Filipinos do to welcome the new year. No matter what superstitions you and your family do, it is important to remember that celebrating the end of the year with your family and loved ones is the most essential part of the ending.
(IAmigo/MNM)