10 Filipino New Year’s Eve Traditions to Bring in Good Fortune and Prosperity

New Year’s Eve is an exciting time for people all around the world, and the Philippines is no exception. Filipinos have a number of unique traditions that they follow to welcome in the new year, each with its own special meaning and symbolism. From the traditional feast of Media Noche to the luck-bringing polka dots and the symbolic throwing of coins, these traditions are an integral part of Filipino culture and help to make New Year’s Eve a truly special occasion. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the most popular Filipino New Year’s Eve traditions, and learn more about the origins and significance of each one. So, let’s dive in and discover the richness and diversity of Filipino culture as we ring in the new year.

Media Noche – Media Noche, or “Midnight Supper,” is a traditional feast held on New Year’s Eve. It typically consists of a variety of dishes, including lechon (roasted pig), ham, queso de bola (edam cheese), fruit salad, and champagne. The feast is meant to be a symbol of abundance and prosperity for the coming year.

Wearing polka dots – Many Filipinos believe that wearing polka dots on New Year’s Eve will bring good luck in the coming year. This tradition dates back to the 1950s, when polka dots were a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in the Philippines.

Making noise – Filipinos believe that making noise on New Year’s Eve will drive away bad luck and bring in good fortune. This is why it’s common to see people setting off fireworks and banging on pots and pans as the clock strikes midnight.

Visiting the church – Many Filipinos also visit their local church on New Year’s Eve to participate in a midnight Mass. This is seen as a way to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to ask for blessings in the year to come.

Money trees – It’s common for Filipinos to decorate their homes with “money trees” on New Year’s Eve. These are small trees or branches that are adorned with coins, paper money, and other small trinkets. It’s believed that these trees will bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Throwing coins into the air – Some Filipinos believe that throwing coins into the air at the stroke of midnight will bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Jumping over waves – In some parts of the Philippines, it’s traditional for people to jump over waves at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. This is believed to bring good luck and wash away any bad luck from the previous year.

Eating round fruits – Eating round fruits on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. This is because round fruits are thought to symbolize the continuity and completeness of life.

Making resolutions – Many Filipinos also make New Year’s resolutions on New Year’s Eve. These resolutions may be personal, such as pledging to exercise more or be more organized, or they may be focused on improving relationships with friends and family.

Giving gifts – It’s also common for Filipinos to exchange gifts on New Year’s Eve as a way of showing appreciation for their loved ones. These gifts may be small tokens of affection or more significant gifts, depending on the relationship.

Overall, Filipinos have a rich and varied set of traditions that they follow to welcome the new year. No matter how they choose to celebrate, Filipinos always make sure to welcome the new year with joy and excitement.