MANILA, Philippines - Each New Year’s eve, people around the world do some rituals to supposedly attract luck for the entire year.
While most people think that they are ridiculous, Filipinos are among those people who still observe those certain customs and traditions because of the belief that whatever it is that you are doing as the clock strikes at midnight can influence the fate of the months ahead.
Whether or not you're superstitious, here is a list of some New Year’s eve traditions.
1. Eating green and beans for money
It is assumed that green food symbolizes the color of money. On the other hand, beans symbolizes coins. Therefore, eating these will welcome money into your year.
2. Eating 12 grapes
In addition to the green food, eating 12 grapes at 12 midnight (one for each month of the year) is said to bring luck.
3. Filling the containers
According to some beliefs, if you leave water containers (pale, drums, pitcher, etc.) empty, you will have an empty life for the whole year.
4. Making loud noises
Making loud noises will supposedly drive away the bad spirits.
5. Opening doors and windows
Through opening windows and doors, it is believed that negative energy will leave and good energy will enter your house.
6. Keeping everything inside
No brooms or dusters this New Year's! Some believe that you will keep on losing things all year long if you toss anything out of the house on New Year's Day.
7. Doing the laundry means death
We know that you want a clean hamper for the New Year, but legend has it that if you wash your clothes on New Year, someone from your house will die.
8. No debt shall be made
Do not lend money or borrow money from anyone during New Year’s. Some people say that if you do, it will take the whole year for you to have it back or pay it out.
9. Keeping money in your pocket
Having money in your pocket when means the money will keep flowing. Scattering coins around the house will also do the same.
10. Wearing polka dots
We have all been there, wearing ridiculous polka dots just to pump up our luck. If it didn't work this year, try wearing red underwear for love, green for money, or yellow for happiness. Maybe this will finally do the trick!