philippine new year traditions

Ever since childhood, New Year Celebrations were huge festivities. As Asians, we are strongly influenced by the traditions practiced by our neighbor countries and our former colonizers.

Let me share you our traditions. Not all Filipinos believe in certain practices but hey, there's nothing to lose, right? First of all, New Year will never be New Year without the fireworks. It is quite unimaginable to have a New Year without it. Fireworks are lighted to drive away bad spirits and bad luck. The louder the fireworks are, the better.

The house should be well-lighted when New Year comes to invite good luck in every corner of the house. All windows must be open to allow good spirits enter the house. As New Year comes, the whole family should make any kind of noise while going around the house to prevent bad luck from coming in and to drive away the bad luck from the past year.

Of course, the highlight of New Year are the festivities! Lots and lots of food. You should have 12 kinds of round-shape fruits for luck, fish to avoid scarcity, egg and noodles for long life, glutinous rice for luck to stick around. Never ever serve chicken because it signifies hunger and scarcity.

On New Year's day, it is a tradition to sell empty bottles and old newspapers. Money earned from selling these recyclable materials will be kept in a piggy bank and must never be spent. It is considered as the first earning for the year. Also, spending on New Year's Day should be avoided. It is believed that spending on such day would mean that you are letting go of money and that this bad practice may mean that you will have money problems for the whole year.

If you will notice, most of those traditions are from Chinese Feng Shui. Filipinos are believers of feng shui. If not all, I'll say most of us somewhat believe on some of these practices. Personally, I do not think there is anything wrong with following these traditions as long as its practical. If you live in the bustling city, opening your windows and making noises may not be practical but it's really up to you. What's important is for you to realize what New Year realy is about. It's not about the festivities and fireworks, it should be about self-realization, self-improvement and of course, family bonding.