NEW YEAR IN THE PHILIPPINES

New Year in the Philippines is called Araw ng Bagong Taon. A few hours before midnight, everyone is up and about. Even the kids are roused from their sleep. When midnight strikes (or even a few minutes before midnight) always expect the crackle and boom of firecrackers, blaring of car horns, banging of pots and pans (for those poor people who cannot afford to buy firecrackers), as well as the trumpeting of torotots. Noise-making is believed to drive away all evil spirits and bad luck as the new year arrives.

All homes are brightly lit and doors and windows are open to let good luck in. Decorating for the New Year does not matter at all because at this time all the Christmas decorations are still up.

After the revelry, there is the media noche (midnight snack/meal). Preparations vary but usually, there are always 12 round, different kinds of fruits on the table, symbolizing money and the 12 months of the year. At home, we sometimes shake some coins in our hands for (hopefully) some financial gain in the coming year. I also usually light some incense and go from room to room just to "cleanse" the house of bad spirits. For food, we usually have the usual Filipino favorites: pancit, leche flan, gulaman and of course, always the lechon (roasted pig). No matter what, lechon is a must on our dining table. =D Sometimes though, Mommy adds some of her baked goodies like chocolate cake or brownies. I love those as well.

People are likewise careful about what they are doing at exactly 12 midnight as some people say that that is how your whole year will be like. So, if you are caught sleeping at this time, most likely your year will be slow and lacking in activity. Some people jump at 12 midnight as they believe this will make them grow taller and people pay off their debts in the hope that they will not be saddled with debt throughout the year.


After eating, my family and I usually go to bed and when we wake up that morning, we visit our relatives or have lunch or dinner together. I think it is a nice way to spend the New Year. I know some families like to go on tours or celebrate New Years in a hotel, but I would still want to celebrate New Year's the Filipino way. =D




source: http://www.viloria.com/angelhouser/archives/00000433.html