Celebrating New Year Pinoy Way

     Bisperas ng Bagong Taon or New Year’s Eve is a much anticipated celebration in the Philippines; it is also one of the noisiest time of the year. There are a lot of traditions that Filipinos follow in the belief of ushering in a prosperous New Year. Some of these traditions may be old. Some are based on superstitious beliefs. And still others are based on pure positive thinking.

Filipinos continue to use fireworks despite the injuries and accidents because of the belief that the noise and the smoke will drive away bad spirits

For those who are not fans of fireworks, there are alternative noise makers like trumpets, pots, whistles, car horns or you can turn your radio or MP3 full blast

12 different kinds of round fruits are served during Media Noche. 12 round fruits symbolizes 12 months of prosperity and good luck

Wearing clothes with polka dots will bring lots of money

If you want to have money all year round, put some coins in your pocket

Before the clock strikes midnight, you should open all doors and windows to invite good luck inside your home

At the exact moment of midnight, children jump as high as they can for the belief that it will make them taller

Chicken is discouraged from being served as the first meal of the year because some see it as a sign of hunger and scarcity

Spending money is discouraged during the first day of the year; frugality on the first day sets the tone for wise money management for the rest of the year