Whether you believe in them or not, New Year pamahiin add a little fun, hope, and meaning as we welcome another year.
Every New Year’s Eve, may kanya-kanya tayong rituals. Yung iba seryoso talaga, yung iba ginagawa lang “baka sakali.” But one thing’s for sure—Filipino New Year traditions are deeply rooted in our culture, especially when it comes to food.
Here are some of the most popular beliefs and traditions we still see (and secretly follow 😄) as we welcome the New Year.
1. Eating 12 Grapes at 12 Midnight
This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for each month of the coming year.
How it’s done:
- Eat 12 grapes at exactly midnight
- Each grape represents one month
- Make a wish with every bite
Some even say eating it under the table increases your chances of love and luck—medyo funny, but hey, harmless fun 😉
2. Round Fruits for Prosperity
Probably the most common Filipino New Year belief.
Why round fruits?
Because they resemble coins—symbolizing wealth and abundance.
Families usually prepare:
- 12 different round fruits
- Or as many as possible
Whether it’s apples, oranges, grapes, or even lanzones, basta bilog, pasok yan!
3. Avoid Serving Chicken: “Isang Kahig, Isang Tuka”
Many families avoid serving chicken during Media Noche.
Why?
Because chickens scratch for food—symbolizing living paycheck to paycheck or isang kahig, isang tuka.
Instead, people prefer:
- Pork dishes
- Fish
- Beef or seafood
Para raw tuloy-tuloy ang biyaya sa darating na taon.
4. Long Noodles for Long Life
Serving noodles is believed to represent:
- Long life
- Good health
- Continuity
That’s why pancit is almost always present during New Year celebrations. Just remember—don’t cut the noodles!
5. Jumping at Midnight to Grow Taller
A favorite pamahiin for kids (and kids-at-heart).
At exactly midnight, everyone jumps hoping to:
- Grow taller
- Level up in life (why not? 😄)
Whether it works or not, it always brings laughter and fun.
6. Wearing Polka Dots for Good Luck
Polka dots = circles = money.
Many people wear:
- Polka dot clothes
- Something new
Believed to attract prosperity and fresh beginnings.
7. Keep the House Full and the Lights On
Before the New Year arrives, families make sure:
- Food containers are full
- Lights are turned on
This symbolizes abundance and brightness for the year ahead.
8. No Sweeping, No Cleaning on January 1
Sweeping on New Year’s Day is believed to:
- Sweep away good luck
That’s why cleaning is usually done before December 31 ends.
Do I follow all of these?
Not really. But I admit, may ilan diyan na ginagawa ko pa rin — baka sakali 😄
At the end of the day, these beliefs aren’t about superstition. They’re about hope, positivity, and starting the year with intention. Whether you believe in them or not, what matters most is welcoming the New Year with gratitude and joy.
And of course — masarap na handa.
