Media noche isn’t the only event that Filipinos go all out for to prepare before the clock strikes 12 on December 31.
There are several superstitions — some that might seem bizarre to those who don’t follow them — that many Filipinos swear by to ensure luck in the new year. There isn’t any hard evidence to back up the truth behind these practices, but a good number of Filipino households have come to do them rather religiously anyway.
Here’s a list of some of the New Year’s Eve superstitions Filipinos observe for good luck, wealth, and prosperity.
Lighting incense
We asked Rappler’s readers to share their favorite New Year’s Eve practices, and one commenter shared that lighting incense on their altar is the way to go for a year of good luck, freedom, happiness, and satisfaction.
Deep cleaning
Meanwhile, another commenter said that they usually do a general cleaning of their whole house, both inside and outside.
“Declutter all unnecessary items. Change all the linens and tidy up everything,” they wrote.
For many, this practice signifies a fresh start that’s rid of all the dirt (both symbolic and literal), making way for good fortune to enter your home. It’s similar to an old Japanese practice called Oosouji, which literally translates to “big cleaning.”
Eat 12 grapes under the table
For the singles out there, eating 12 grapes under the table is believed to be the key to finding a romantic partner. At exactly 12 midnight on January 1, you’ll have one minute to eat 12 grapes one by one under a table, with the grapes representing each month of the year.
This practice’s roots trace back to Spain, where it’s called las 12 uvas de la suerte, (the 12 grapes of luck). Some view it as a way to attract good luck, while others — most especially in recent years — do it to increase their chances of finding love.
Filipino-American influencer Bretman Rock even attested that “[his] grapes worked,” because he officially announced his relationship with his boyfriend, Justice Fester, this year on social media.
Jump at the stroke of midnight
For those whose goal for the coming year is to grow taller, you’ll probably see them jump as high as they can at the stroke of midnight. This doesn’t just apply to children hoping to have a growth spurt; adults looking to add a few inches to their height usually join in on the fun, too.
Make noise
Aside from deep cleaning, another way to ward negative energies or evil spirits away is to make loud noises — whether it’s by blowing on a torotot or banging on metal pots and pans to produce those startling sounds.
Fill your house with coins, and your pockets with bills
Scattering coins around your house and stuffing your pockets with bills to ring in the new year is often done by Filipinos to attract good fortune.
At the start of 2024, you may have also recalled seeing some of your friends or relatives keeping a P50 bill at the back of their phone, a practice that is said to bring financial luck.
Wear polka dots
Many Filipinos believe that wearing clothing with round patterns on them (e.g., polka dots) can give them prosperity and wealth for the year ahead.
Prepare a set of 12 round fruits
To manifest a “fruitful” year, place 12 round fruits on your table. Think grapes, oranges, watermelons, kiwi, and pomelo, among others. Similar to the 12 grapes superstition, each fruit signifies every month of the year.
According to feng shui expert Johnson Chua, though, other fruits that aren’t necessarily round can also bring good luck. For instance, Chua says that bananas can attract gold.
Eat pancit for long life
A common practice even on birthdays, eating pancit is said to give you a long life. Make sure, however, to not cut the noodles when you’re eating them, as it’s said to be an omen of bad luck.
These are just some of the superstitions Filipinos practice on New Year’s Eve to manifest a good year. Which superstitions, if any, do you personally follow? – Rappler.com