Pinoys continue age-old New Year traditions

A part of the tradition of Filipinos to welcome the new year is to make sure there would be 12 round fruits for Media Noche, lots of coins, and other items that would supposedly attract good luck and riches.

With a few days left before 2018 ends, Lola Seling continues the family tradition of serving round-shaped fruits in time for the New Year's eve feast or Media Noche. Lalaine Abrena, on the other hand, plans to give away coins, another family tradition to attract good business.

John will welcome the new year by shaking all the coins in his pocket, to attract good luck and good fortune while Vinni Dajac plans to wear a shirt with polka dots.

Some had a bit more unique ideas to usher in the New Year, including health buffs like Toto Timkang who has started jogging like his life depended on it.

"Ang pamahiin ko, nagja-jogging ako...Ang laking bagay ng jogging sa sarili ko, eh healthy para 'di lang kain nang kain, gan'yan," Timkang said.

A sociologist explained on Oscar Oida's report for 24 Oras that New Year superstitions are only manifestations of individual aspirations.

"Through time, nakakalimutan na natin kung para saan 'yug simbolo na 'yun. Ang naiiwan lang 'yung tradisyon o 'yung practice," Josephine Dionisio, a sociologist from the University of the Philippines, said.

Meanwhile, a priest said there is nothing wrong with following these traditional ways to welcome the New Year.

Fr. Randy Flores of the Quezon City Sacred Heart Shrine said there is one lucky charm that would surely attract good luck and good fortune.

"Dasal ang pinakamabisang lucky charm at pampa-suwerte. Saan natin kukunin 'yung guidance natin and more blessings kundi sa Diyos," he said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News