Its the last day of the year 2013, and as always, we are busy in
the preparation for the incoming new year.
Its going to be a sleepless night since we have to stay awake until 12
midnight, and perform all sorts of practices that had been handed down from
generation to generation.
After attaining the age of
reason, I could not fathom how and/or why these practices are being done since
they could very well be considered as just plain weird. No
offense meant, but what could be the relation of preparing noodles in having a
long life?
But hey, I am not a scrooge nor
fretting because of that. I consider these practices as merely part of the
fun and meant to be enjoyed. For
purposes of amusement, hereunder are the practices I have encountered and even
practiced just to be “in” the crowd –
The food prepared to greet the new
year should be something which signifies prosperity, peace, long life, unity and
happiness in the family. Thus, a must in every menu includes noodles cooked in
any manner. But one thing I was told by
old folks is to always prepare what is called “bam-i”. Two types of noodles
are used here – egg noodles (canton) and bean noodles (sotanghon). Added to the noodles are pork, liver,
chicken, bell pepper, cabbage and a smorgasbord of other ingredients. Given the
numerous and varied ingredients, this would hopefully bring forth long life and lots
of good fortune for the new year.
Another must in the dinner table
is any recipe using sticky rice. This would signify closeness and unity within
the family. Some of the food we have on
the table consist of “biko” which is
actually sticky rice cooked together with coconut milk and brown sugar; and “arroz-valenciana”
which is sticky rice, and added to it are pork, liver, chicken, raisins, green
peas, and other ingredients you may want to add. Again, the varied ingredients would signify
good fortune.
Fruit salad, a sweet concoction
of various fruits, condensed milk, and cream is also a must to bring forth a harmonious
relationship between and among members of the family. Not to be forgotten is the required 13 kinds
of round-shaped fruits to bring forth prosperity and good fortune as well. Some
would say 12 is enough, but, old folks again say that if you want really good
fortune, it should be more than 12. The
number 12 is based on 12 months in a year, and an additional year (thus, it
becomes 13) is for extra fortune. No kidding! J
(Round-shaped fruits are a must in every table during the onset of the New Year)
Only pork, beef, or other meat
products should be prepared. No fish and
chicken because these 2 animals have difficulty looking for food. If you have them on your menu on New Year’s
eve and the start of the year, then you
might undergo difficulty for the year just as these animals live difficult
lives.
Other food recipes are also prepared, but the
foregoing are basic ones. Believe it or
not. J
In addition to traditional food,
there is also the requirement of making lots and lots of noise when 12:00 midnight approaches, and the new
year begins. This practice is purposely
to drive out bad spirits which brought forth bad luck and/or misfortunes during
the current year. It is said that these
bad spirits are driven out of your homes when there is noise. To create these noise, resort is made through
the use of firecrackers, loud music, and/or other instruments purposely to make
such a loud bang.
Another practice is to collect
coins, put them in your pockets or any container and shake them at the strike
of midnight. It is also important to
wear clothing with polka dots or with designs having round images. At the
strike of midnight, doors, windows, drawers, and other closed furniture should be opened. These beliefs, when done, again
brings good fortune for the coming year.
If you lack the desired height,
it is good for you to jump as high as you can at the strike of midnight to
increase your height for the coming year. Then there is this belief not to spend a
single centavo on the first day of the year (January 1) because you will keep on spending and/or
losing money for the rest of the year.
For families and couples in love,
greeting the onset of the new year
together would mean unity and togetherness.
And finally, the making of the
New Year’s Resolution is another must.
Well for me, I do make such resolutions.
However, my New Year’s resolution can be summed up in only one sentence
– that is, to be a better person than last year. That would mean, becoming more patient, more
understanding, more responsible, and so much more room for improvement as a person.
Whatever beliefs you may adopt,
always remember though that we are responsible for what we make of our lives. We cannot blame any practice or tradition for
whatever misery that comes our way for the coming year. Its all about choices and consequences.
Have a happy and prosperous New
Year! J
