- 発行日 :
- 自治体名 : 福島県広野町
- 広報紙名 : 広報ひろの 令和7年1月号
■New Year, New Luck
Did you know that there are many superstitions and beliefs in the Philippines during New Year?Filipinos tend to follow some of these to ensure good fortune, prosperity, and health in the coming year. Here are some of the most common New Year superstitions observed in the Philippines：
1. Jumping at midnight – It is believed that if you jump as high as you can at midnight, you will grow taller in the coming year. This superstition is often followed by children, but many adults also participate, hoping for good luck and prosperity.
2. Wearing polka dots – Many Filipinos believe that wearing clothes with round shapes (like polka dots) on New Year’s Eve will bring prosperity and wealth for the coming year. The idea is that the round shapes represent coins, which are a symbol of financial prosperity.
3. Making noise – A popular superstition is making loud noises at midnight to drive away bad spirits and misfortune. This is usually done by setting off firecrackers, banging pots and pans, using horns, or playing loud music. The belief is that the noise will scare away evil spirits and bad luck, allowing for a fresh start in the new year.
4. Eating Noodles – Eating noodles, especially long noodles like pancit, is a tradition on New Year’s Eve. The long noodles symbolize long life, so eating them is believed to bring longevity and good health in the coming year.
5. First Meal of the Year (Media Noche) – The “media noche” feast, held at midnight, is an essential part of Filipino New Year’s celebrations. It’s important that the food is abundant and varied to signify a year full of blessings. Specific dishes like lechon (roast pig), rice cakes, and sweets are often served for good fortune.
These are some of the superstitions and beliefs, but there’s a lot to mention like, buying 12 round fruits, opening doors and windows, cleaning the house and cash in pockets or bags, avoiding sweeping, first visitor and crying, no borrowing or lending money, and more. These superstitions reflect the Filipino desire for a year filled with abundance, good health,happiness, and prosperity. While many observe these practices out of tradition and belief, they are also a way for families to come together, celebrate, and share hopes for the future. There are no studies to prove these beliefs, but there’s nothing wrong with following or believing in them. How about in Japan? I’d love to learn more!