Philippine Culture: Philippine Celebration of New Year
The Philippine celebration of New Year is an event embraced with rare gusto by Filipinos all over the Philippine Islands. On the stroke of midnight on 31 December, it seems as though the whole archipelago reverberates to the sound of fireworks, loud music, whistles, the clamor of banging pots and pans and honking car horns. This is not simply because Filipino’s have a love of noise, but because in such a spiritual country where belief in ‘vampires’ and ghosts is real, many believe that noise drives off evil spirits; so, the louder the noise, the better off the New Year will be. This is just one among a group of unique ‘superstitions’ that Filipinos believe will usher in the New Year on a high note and lead to a better lifestyle.
Young children are encouraged to jump at midnight on New Year’s Eve as this will, supposedly, help them to become taller when they’re older. What you wear is also important. With the coming of the New Year, the polka dot symbolizes coins and those wearing polka-dotted clothing to usher in the New Year credit them with leading to a more prosperous future. New Year’s Day is a time for the family to join together and celebrate with a feast. No matter how rich or poor the family, an essential part of this annual ritual is providing a selection of round fruit, (cantaloupe, honey-dew melons, oranges, apples, grapes, etc.) on the dining table. The fruit allegedly brings money and good fortune to the family, as does ham and Edam cheese, (ball shaped), which are also a harbinger of future prosperity. My wife, and I’m sure many other wives, places coins and round fruit in various locations throughout our house to welcome good luck and a little financial assistance into our home. This is something we can all use more of in the future. The Philippine celebration of New Year, looking forward to the year ahead with optimism and confidence, is a philosophy we could all do well to embrace. However you welcome in the New Year when in the Philippines, be careful, stay safe, don’t even think of holding a lit firecracker and, above all, enjoy yourself. Or, as Oprah Winfrey once said: “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right”.
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