Filipino New Year Traditions You Should Know

 Filipino New Year traditions are vibrant and steeped in cultural beliefs that symbolize prosperity, good luck, and harmony. These practices blend indigenous customs, Chinese influences, and Spanish traditions, creating a unique celebration. Here’s a look at key traditions you should know:

Custommade barong tagalog

 

1. Preparing a Feast (Media Noche)

  • Media Noche: A lavish midnight meal shared with family to welcome the New Year.
  • Traditional dishes include:
    • Pancit or noodles (for long life).
    • Sticky rice desserts like biko and suman (to strengthen family bonds).
    • Lechón (roasted pig) as a symbol of abundance.
  • Fruits, especially round ones, are a must on the table, representing coins and prosperity.

2. Wearing Polka Dots

  • Polka dot clothing is believed to attract wealth and good fortune because the round patterns symbolize coins.

3. Jumping at Midnight

  • Children jump repeatedly as the clock strikes midnight, hoping to grow taller in the coming year.

4. Making Noise

  • Noise-making is a central tradition to drive away bad spirits and misfortune. This is done by:
    • Banging pots and pans.
    • Blowing horns or whistles.
    • Lighting firecrackers and sparklers (locally called paputok).

5. Displaying 12 Round Fruits

  • A table display of 12 round fruits (one for each month of the year) is thought to attract luck and prosperity.
  • Popular choices include grapes, oranges, apples, and melons.

6. Keeping Doors and Windows Open

  • Doors and windows are opened at midnight to allow blessings and good energy to enter the home.

7. Paying Off Debts

  • It’s considered essential to start the year debt-free to avoid financial struggles in the coming year.

8. Avoiding Certain Behaviors

  • Sweeping or throwing trash on New Year’s Day is avoided, as it’s believed to “sweep away” good luck.
  • Breaking items is also avoided to prevent bad fortune.

9. Offering Coins

  • Coins are tossed inside the house or scattered around to attract wealth and good luck.
  • Some families also keep coins in their pockets and jingle them as the New Year arrives.

10. Fireworks and Sky Lanterns

  • Fireworks symbolize the celebration of life and are believed to scare away evil spirits.
  • Sky lanterns or balloons with wishes written on them are released as a symbolic gesture for aspirations.

11. Eating Noodles and Sticky Rice

  • Eating noodles ensures longevity, while sticky rice desserts foster unity among family members.

12. Following Feng Shui

  • Some Filipinos consult feng shui experts for guidance on lucky colors, directions, and practices to optimize luck and harmony in the New Year.

13. Spending Time with Family

  • New Year’s Eve is a family-centered celebration. Everyone gathers to eat, pray, and enjoy the first moments of the year together.

14. Hanging Grapes by the Door

  • Some families hang grapes or fruit in doorways as a symbol of continuous blessings.

15. New Year’s Resolutions

  • Setting personal goals and promises is a modern adaptation of this traditional celebration.

Filipino New Year traditions reflect a collective hope for success, health, and happiness in the coming year, with an emphasis on family, food, and festivities. These practices are as joyful as they are meaningful, blending fun and faith in a uniquely Filipino way.

Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Filipino Fashion: Its Evolution and Influence in the Filipino Culture

Image
  Have you seen how young Filipinas are dressing today? They seem to adapt to the K-pop culture, western styles, and trending fashion. But do they know something about the traditional Filipino dresses ? Do they even have a clue what does it look like?   Have you seen how young Filipinas are dressing today? They seem to adapt to the K-pop culture, western styles, and trending fashion. But do they know something about the traditional Filipino dresses? Do they even have a clue what does it look like? However, that doesn’t mean they know more about these  traditional clothes . It seems they need to dig into Filipino history to find out how they are developed and how they influence their sense of fashion today. The Filipinos and Their Fashion It is undeniable that Filipinos are quite very passionate about their fashion and style. They love to look for the latest trend of clothing and style that they can use for various. But most of all, Filipinos have a sense of fashion. They ...
Read more

Iconic Traditional Filipiniana Looks from GMA’s Maria Clara at Ibarra

Image
  Filipino movies and teleseryes have taken a different turn in the entertainment industry, leveling up the game both nationally and internationally. The historical teleserye, “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” has captured the attention of many due to its beautiful storyline, cinematography, and casting. Additionally, the series greatly emphasized the showcasing of Filipino traditional dresses. Therefore, let us take a look at some of the iconic Filipiniana looks that you might want to wear to formal events soon. Julia Anne San Jose wearing a Traje de Mestiza Simple and elegant – this is the image depicted of Julia Anne, one of the main characters in the series. She is usually seen wearing a traje de mestiza, a Filipiniana dress , made of brocade, piña, or jacquard, paired with various accessories such as a Victorian cameo choker, earrings, and a tambourine necklace. Truly, she stands out as a true “Ilustrado” woman. Barbie Forteza in 1860’s Filipiniana Gown In the first episode of the TV s...
Read more

Top Barong Tagalog Styles for Wedding Attendees

Image
  Barong Tagalog has been a staple in Filipino weddings for as long as citizens can remember. Men have traditionally worn this piece, such as romantic unions, on numerous occasions. Most of the time, it’s not only the groom who wears this traditional piece but also other attendees. Over the years, there have been evolutions in the design of these clothing items, and women now have their own versions as well. In this article, you are able to learn about the different styles that attendees can wear during the occassion. The Different Barong Tagalog Styles There have been various renditions of the traditional Filipino barong. These designs include contemporary, formal, women’s chic, and more.  See the explorations and innovations in traditional Filipino clothing below. Traditional Barong Designs The traditional style usually uses classic piña or jusi fabrics to embody that conventional look. These clothing pieces boast timeless embroidery and motifs. So, why do attendees opt to w...
Read more