IT’S time to wake the senses by the sounds and sights of people celebrating. From the deafening blow of your neighbor’s stereo or writing a heartfelt message on Page 365 to seeing skies light up, the start of a new year is a wonderful moment to behold.
People celebrate New Year in different ways. Some jump as the clock strikes 12, while others only drink beer through a solo cup. Here are some quirky and common ways to start the year:
Making Noise
This practice is known to ward off evil spirits and shoo bad luck. In the Philippines, people tow or bang pots, pans, and cans, or anything that makes loud, blaring noise. Some people shake coins in their pockets. The noisier the year starts, the better.
12 Round Fruits
The 12 round fruits on the table mean abundance and wealth. Apples, grapes and oranges are the most common fruits placed, usually, as centerpiece for tables during New Year’s Eve. The 12 round fruits symbolize round coins, and they also represent the 12 months of the year.
Polka Dots
Much like the 12 fruits on the table, some people wear polka dots for good luck and wealth.
Jump
Jumping as a new year unfolds is a unique tradition in the Philippines. It is believed that jumping up and down as the clock strikes 12 midnight would make kids taller.
Fireworks
It’s not New Year without a display of jaw-dropping and colorful fireworks. These explosives are enjoyed because of their aesthetic attributes. Popping fireworks dates back to the ancient times when fire and noise were used as mediums to drive evil spirits away.
Kiss
They say kissing someone at the start of the year means you want to strengthen your ties with that person in the future, while starting the year without a kiss means a lonely and a loveless year ahead.
Writing Resolutions
This is listing down the things you want to change before a year starts, so that by the end of it, you can look back and see how far you’ve come, and what improvements to make.
Page 365 of 365
This is usually a trending on Twitter or just the start to someone’s long sappy post on Facebook about their year, how they’ve “grown”, and how they cannot wait for the year ahead. Apparently, 365 pages represent 365 days of the year. And Page 365 of 365 is reaching the last page of a book, or in this case, the last day of the year.
Countdowns
Some stare at watches, some on television screens, there’s nothing like screaming “Happy New Year!” on top of your lungs at midnight, and at a start of another year.
These are some of the many ways to celebrate New Year, but no matter how you celebrate, one thing is important: that you’re enjoying it. Happy 2020!/PN
