The Secret Behind Filipino New Year Traditions

Exciting and fun, these are the two important keywords to describe the Filipino New Year Traditions. Aside from the usual, grand and majestic countdown you usually see, they have their way of turning things up! Aren’t Filipinos recognized as happy and jolly people for nothing?

Filipino New Year

As we all know, Filipinos have the most extended celebration for Christmas, so you might probably have an idea of how resourceful and exciting they can be since it is 4-month-long! Besides that, Filipinos value New Year so much because it symbolizes new beginnings. They have this positive mindset of welcoming opportunities and a clear vision for the future.  

Hop-in as we present these enjoyable Filipino New Year traditions, food, and practices, that will surely pique your interest!

Filipino New Year Traditions and Customs

1. Jump with all you’ve got when the clock struck 12!

Filipinos have an average height of 4 ft plus to 5 ft plus. It is very seldom for them to reach 6 ft plus unless their family is tall so, jumping as high as you can when it’s already 12 for “children” is believed to make you grow taller. Adults sometimes also participate in this tradition, too, just for fun or not? Well, I won’t judge!

2. Flaunt that Polka Dot! 

Filipino New Year traditions wouldn’t be complete without your usual polka dot, be it white, red, black, any color you like, or even in bags, shoes, shorts, anything that you can wear! Polka dots are the main attraction when it’s Filipino New Year because they symbolize wealth and success.

3. Make some noise!

Mostly, everyone makes some loud noises to welcome New Year, but I think, only in the Philippines you will see different Filipinos making noise in anything their hands can get on! Spoon, fork, pan? Name it, and I’m sure they will find a way to make it produce noise! Don’t forget the firecrackers!

4. Stay away from chicken and fish!

Filipinos do not include chicken and fish to prepare for Media Noche or New Year’s Eve feast. Chicken and fish symbolize food shortage and bad luck. It is very much different when they are celebrating Christmas that any food can be on the menu.

5. Gathering for Media Noche or New Year’s Eve Feast!

Several friends and loved ones gather at the table to share the food and welcome the New Year as one. There might be firecrackers, noises, sharing, or even games! Filipinos usually scatter coins in every part of the house to signify prosperity.

Filipino New Year Food Traditions

1. Ready or not, here are the 12 round fruits!

As I mentioned, polka dots or precisely round or circle serve as a symbol of wealth; that is why Filipinos also prepare 12 kinds of round fruits to represent each month of the New Year to be prosperous all year round!

Here is a Filipino Fruits list you can buy:

• Watermelon
• Orange
• Apple
• Melon
• Peach
• Lanzones
• Berries
• Rambutan
• Lychee
• Grapes
• Chico
• Kiwi

2. Sticky Rice for Sticky Family Ties!

Filipinos are very fond of making sticky rice, and they also believe that eating this every Filipino New Year traditions will make them have a much stronger family bond. Some examples of these sticky rice are Biko, Sinukmani, Bilo-bilo or Bibingka and many more!

3. Noodles for Lengthy Life!

The noodles may not be originally from the Filipinos, but this has been a part of every Filipino New Year food tradition. Since noodles are long, they believe that it will bring very long life and the best of health to Filipinos!

These Filipino New Year Traditions and customs are only a few from the long list they have! 

Take a closer look at how Filipinos celebrate New Year. You will realize that they might have one thing in mind: embracing the great blessings the New Year will bring, having a positive outlook in life, and strengthening the family ties, making the Filipino New Year celebration one of a kind!

How about you bayan, Are you excited for the coming New Year or the “Manigong Bagong Taon?”, Do you have any new year traditions and customs in your family to tell? What are some of Filipino New Year Food Traditions do you prepare? Do you have your Filipino fruits list to buy for New Year Eve? Comment below and tell us about your story.

Merry Christmas bayan and a Happy New Year “Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon”. – Barok and Takya

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