As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve in Australia, a strong attachment to the country’s customs and culture is palpable, especially during the festive seasons of Christmas and New Year. A profound sense of longing for the warm embrace of Filipino New Year celebrations pervades Australia, evoking a blend of reflection and homesickness. The essence of Pasko at Bagong Taon for a Pinoy remains unparalleled. Here’s a compilation of unique Filipino traditions that you can still cherish in Australia as the year 2024 approaches.
Media Noche
New Year festivities for Filipinos are incomplete without the cherished Filipino custom, Media Noche. On New Year’s Eve, Filipino families, relatives, and friends gather for a lavish midnight feast, symbolizing their aspirations for prosperity and abundance in the coming year.
Twelve Round Fruits
Adorn your table with twelve round fruits symbolizing prosperity for each month of the year, symbolizing prosperity and bringing good luck and abundance to your household.
Wear Polka Dot Dress
Embrace the tradition of wearing polka dots, which is believed to bring luck and wealth for the upcoming year. The polka dots also symbolize money and fortune.
Jumping High at the Stroke of Midnight
Encourage kids to leap as high as they can when the clock strikes 12, as elders believe it fosters growth and height.
Collect Coins for Good Fortune
Gather coins for good fortune by placing them in your pockets or around your home to attract wealth and prosperity.
Eat Sticky Rice to Strengthen Family Bonds
Filipinos are known for their strong family ties and share a meal of Biko (sweet rice cake) to foster stronger family bonds and unity in the coming year.
Eat Pancit (Long Noodles) for a Long Life and Fortune
Partake in eating Pancit (long noodles), symbolizing long life and fortune, as you welcome the New Year with a plate full of delicious noodles.
Loud Noise to Drive Away Evil Spirits
Create a lively atmosphere with enchanting sounds to drive away evil spirits and ensure a fresh and positive start.
Open Doors and windows, and Turn On All the Lights
Invite positive energy by opening doors and windows and turning on all the lights, symbolizing a welcoming atmosphere for the good vibes of the New Year.
These traditions, brought over the oceans to Australia, serve as symbolic threads that bind the Filipino community together. They embody values of unity, abundance, and spiritual connectedness, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose in a new and diverse environment. As people in Australia celebrate the New Year, these traditions serve as a bridge between the past and future, carrying the wisdom and aspirations of people who find hope and love even in a foreign land.
