The Philippines, which is the world’s 12th most populous country, is typical for many festivals and precessions. New Year, one of these festivals, is held very solemnly and significantly.
The preparations for the New Year in Philippines begin a few days ahead of New Year. December 31, which is usually an unofficial public holiday in the Philippines, is a busy day for all families to prepare the food for The media noche rush in to buy firecrackers in preparation for the night celebration. This is the time of the year when children have a good time blowing their plastic toy trumpets called Torotot. Children also enjoy stamping on their watiusi- a kind of small firecrackers that when rubbed against a rough surface and released, cracker into a little sparkword dance. Especially, citing the Filipino tradition of New Year’s Day, the Philippine congress decided to formally recognize December 31 as an annual non-working holiday when it is sandwiched in between two official Philippine holidays (these being Rizard Day and New Year’s Day).
New year’s Day is celebrated with the family in or outside the house. On New Year’s Eve, countdown of New Year varies from family to family or from region to region. At the strike of 12.00 midnight, the noise becomes defeating, church bells ring, firecrackers bloom in the sky. Fireworks are an important part of the New Year celebrations in Philippines. The people in Philippines set off fireworks as a symbol of happiness on New Year. The fireworks are seen a traditional way to great the New Year with joy. It is also a favourite thing to do with children, is to jump twelve times so that they will get taller next year, the higher you jump, the taller you grow. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to drive away bad spirits.
Around 12.15 a.m, the noise stops and the air is filled with human voice and the family starts to eat a thanksgiving feast called Media Noche (middle of the night).It is believed that we should put much food on the table so that next year, you will have food all year round. Twelve round fruits should be on the table as it a sign of prosperity for the next twelve months. There is also a midnight mass celebration to welcome the Next Year and to thank God for all His blessings.
Aside from lighting firecrackers and having firework displays, Filipinos have other beliefs which are associated to bring good luck, fortune and prosperity in the New Year:
Ø The noise and the firecrackers are believed to drive the “evil” sprit away and make New Year bountiful and blessed.
Ø The people in Philippines believe banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns to be the safer methods of merrymaking on New Year.
Ø You should put coins/money in your pocket so that next year will be prosperous.
Ø You should open all the windows, doors lights so that all the graces will come to your house as you welcome the New Year.
Ø Some believe that you have to wear polka dots shirts or dress because it symbolise money, and it must have a deep pocket and filled with money billls, coins and jungled it at the stroke of midnight for good luck.
The custom of wishing everyone luck and happiness and seeing off the old year, welcoming the New Year is still prevalent in Philippines. Dance music and other amusements are the other customs that the people in Philippines follow on New Year.
New year is an event welcomed all over the world. It takes place greatly and originelly in Philippines. On New Year’s Eve as well as New Year’s Day, Filipinos have their own beliefs which make them more excited and encouraged in the next year.
Written by
PHAN THỊ THU PHƯƠNG-11 ANH
