Our New Year Traditions

Before I start getting busy with our preparations, let me share some of my family's New Year traditions.

• Cleaning the house before New Year.
  
• Serving 13 fruits on the table table. Most of these fruits are round ones to symbolize prosperity.
• Putting a bowl of rice, sugar and salt on the table.
  
• Wearing red brings good luck.
• Eating 12 grapes at midnight. Each grape symbolizes a prosperous month of the year.
  
• Putting coins in the pocket to have a prosperous year ahead.
  
• Refraining from serving chicken because of the saying, "Isang kahig, isang tuka." They say a chicken's way of life somehow connotes struggles or tough times.
• Opening lights, windows and doors before midnight to welcome in good graces to your home.
• Scattering coins on the floor at midnight.
• Creating loud noises to drive away evil spirits and bad luck.
  

Would you like to share some of your traditions?