Filipinos are generally hopeful despite the on going global economic crisis. Here in the province, seldom that the financial crunch is discussed, if any. They do not worry to much about other things in the world. Most of them think about their love ones, food for the table and their family's future.
We usually have December 31 as a non-working holiday, giving ample time for Filipinos to prepare for the New Year's eve celebration. Compared to other countries, we Filipinos celebrate the new year differently. We prepare a lot of things and things get busier and busier as the 12 midnight gets near.
Join the fun of celebrating New Year the Pinoy Way!
Pinoys celebrate with a bang!!
Yes. Literally. With a lot of firecrackers and fireworks!
Even weeks before Christmas, vendors of fire crackers and fireworks are usual part of the scenery along roads and highways as well as sidewalks of major public places.
The belief that firecrakers and loud noises drive away evil spirits and bad luck is inherited from the Chinese. Despite the warning from government agencies (Department of Health) of the hazards of using pyrotechnic devices, this tradition still lives on.
The province of Bulacan, particularly the towns of Sta. Maria and Bocaue is where we can find the manufacturers of pyrotechnic products. Some of the leading manufacturers from this province won in major competitions on fireworks in the Philippines and abroad!
Famous among the types of paputok are: Rebentador (or Labentador), trianggulo, pla-pla, super lolo, bawang, sinturon ni Hudas (Judas' belt), Crying Cow (amazing how it copies the loud sound of cow!), Kwutis (baby rockets), picollo, Watusi.
Lights and fireworks display items are called fountain (of various types including silver and gold), lusis, roman candle, trompillo. Some very impressive aerial fireworks display items can be made to order.
Natural and Environment-Friendly Noisemakers
We also have people in the province that does not use these elaborate and sometimes very expensive fireworks. Innovative people use empty cans to be tied on a string and attached to a vehicle (a jeepney, a bicycle or car). They drive around the barangay or village pulling the empty cans making loud noises on the street.
We also use Torotot or trumpets or horns usually made from bamboo. Now, horns are decorated and made into shape like hats and small trumpets. Others are already made from plastics.
Batya or large wash basins that are made from GI sheets are also being used as gongs!
Media Noche Feast
Foods!
Whatever you have on your table on new year's day is what you will have the whole year round. That is what people believe, that is why food is so abundant in welcoming the new year.
Fruits
A tradition of having twelve rounded fruits is also passed on to us by the Chinese. This is kinda hard to follow but we usually manage. The 12 fruits is believed to bring in good fortune for the coming year.
Filipinos usually have grapes (some are hanged on doorways), young coco, mango, calamansi, citrus (dalandan or dalanghita), oranges, ponkan, kiat kiat, pomelo... never ending fruits.
The Family Dinner
Famously called media noche - the family midnight dinner. What is important in media noche is right after the revelry, the family sits down on the dining table together. Complete. Everyone gets together around the table and partake the food.
Other Beliefs and Practices
As the countdown for the New Year gets nearer, everyone gets busier preparing and trying to follow beliefs and traditions. It varies from one region to another in some little way. But some are well-known, like:
-The Holy Mass before midnight. A tradition that the whole family goes to church together before the New Year. It was a traditional midnight mass, but moved earlier so the family can get home earlier and have their media noche feast.
- Polka dot designed clothes. Wear something with circle and polka dot designs, believed to represent money. Colors representing prosperity like red and gold is also usually worn.
- Coins in the pocket to jingle and make noise. Again, money matters! It wont hurt if you'll have some crisp bills as well.
- Coins placed on windows and in major ventilations. Other homes also place couns on their staircases.
-Coins thrown in the house as the midnight clock strikes.
- In the house, all doors and windows should be open .All lights should also be turned on. The entire house should be lively! Open doors and lights believe to welcome graces and blessings the whole year.
- Twelve eggs and twelve round fruits should be on the table as it is a sign of prosperity for the next twelve months!
-Water containers, rice containers, salt containers filled to the brim.
- I like the part that some people pay off their debts before new year! Some are too irresponsible that creditors do not trust them anymore! At least, the tradition will entice them to pay!
-When I was a child, we were asked to jump at the strike of midnight. Believed to make us grow taller. Hmm, it's up to you if you believe it, too..hehe
These traditions from the point of preparation to the actual celebration brings us all together.
What is important here is that we are celebrating and welcoming the new year together. As one big complete family!
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