In a few hours, twenty-twenty-one will now enter. May this coming year fill the world with good things, and may all the bad things that happened this year be changed with more blessings and good news next year. The virus is still there, with the vaccines remain unperfected, but may this coming year provide the answers for our prayers. Keep the faith.

New Year is worth celebrating the day. It is a mere and recognized event that January 1 is celebrated as one of the most important and most prestigious days worldwide. This day is respected as a day packed with glorious fun and excitement.

A new chapter will unfold in a few hours, and new beginnings will start. But the question is, have you prepared the things you usually have during the past celebrations of New Year?

Let us start it with round objects.

Having round fruits on the table

In the Philipines, New Year is the second most renowned celebration after Christmas. One practice Filipinos have for embracing the new year's entrance is having twelve round fruits on the table. This said tradition is maintained to bring fortune and prosperity for the new year.

Number twelve signifies the number of months in the year, while the circular fruits signify money or coins. Hence, preparing these fruits on New Year's Eve symbolises success and bounty for the whole family.

Most of the time, the fruits being served are:

Apples

The red ones signifies good luck as you embrace the new year, while the color green apples are incorporated with wealth. 

Oranges

Oranges have strong bright color and this fruit gives life to the plate with the other fruits. 

Guavas

Guavas come in different varieties and shapes, so make sure to pick those in circular form.

Lanzones

Lanzones has a sticky sap, but this is another fruit treat to be added on the plate.

Star Apple

This fruit is locally known as caimito, and it is a good source of antioxidants, which is good for the health.

Rambutan

This fruit is a hairy one, but do not be scared with it. This fruit is sweet and delicious.

Grapes

Grapes has always been a part of the twelve round fruits in the plate or basket, so it is always serve during the new year's eve.

Watermelon

This is quite big yet juicy. It is a great source of Vitamin C. Pick the smaller ones to have enough space for the others.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropic fruit in the Philippines that is why it is a popular selection among Filipinos when it comes to the New Year fruit bowl.

Melon

This fruit is very round in shape so it is definitely gets in to the criteria for round fruits to be served.

Pear

Having pear on the list gives more color to the table. Not only it good when it comes to taste, it is also pleasant to the eyes.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is locally known as granada fruit. Its taste may extend from sour to sweet.

Others also have other fruits in their table and have more or less of the twelve mentioned fruits. Other families also served a dozen of eggs together with the round fruits to attract more luck. Anyways, it is not only the presence of the circular fruits that count, faith do as well.

Coins and cash

It has also been a tradition for Filipinos to scatter coins inside their house and fill in their wallets with new bills to attract good fortune. What makes it a nice tradition is that, once the entrance of new year came, we go, find, and pick those coins and cash. It is a joyful practice and could make you feel happier each time you find bigger bills.

Wearing Polka Dots

Wondering why there are those who wear shirts or dresses with a polka dots design during the celebration of New Year? Well, that is simply because it attracts good fortune. It does not matter what is the pattern of the polka dots. It could go on your shirt, shoes, or even on your underwear. Round designs are said to induce in prosperity, abundance, and wealth!

And wait, there's still more. Do not forget the loud noises as it is believed to drive away from the negative vibes and the evil. But since we cannot do most of the usual thing, we do before due to the current situation we are in. But anyway, always practice safety protocols to have a safe and sound celebration.

If you want to get taller, do not also forget to jump on new year's eve. Do not forget to serve sticky foods to have stronger family ties and pancit for long life. Do not forget to open up your doors and windows to let prosperity and good luck get it to your house. And ready you resolution for this coming year!

May all of us be able to celebrate this big event with a grateful hearts. No matter how little or big the foods that will be served in our tables later at media noche, may all of us feel grateful as we celebrate together the new year.

Let there be resilience this coming year. Happy New Year!

“No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again.” — Jack Kornfield