In the Philippines, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with vibrant traditions, and one of the most iconic customs is the preparation of round foods to symbolize prosperity and wealth. Filipinos believe that the shape of round foods resembles coins, which are associated with financial success and abundance. On New Year’s Eve, families gather to enjoy a festive meal known as "Media Noche", featuring various round fruits and dishes, as a way to attract good fortune for the coming year.

The Origins of the Filipino Round Food Tradition

The tradition of serving round foods on New Year’s Eve in the Philippines is thought to have been influenced by both Chinese and Spanish cultural practices. The Chinese brought the idea of using round shapes to symbolize wealth and prosperity, while the Spanish introduced various food customs that the Filipinos adopted and adapted over time. Today, this fusion of cultural influences has become an essential part of the Filipino New Year’s celebration.

Chinese Influence: The Symbolism of Round Shapes

In Chinese culture, round objects are closely associated with wealth because of their resemblance to coins. The Chinese believe that displaying and eating round items, particularly fruits, during New Year’s celebrations can attract good fortune and financial success. This belief has spread to many other parts of Asia, including the Philippines, where the tradition of serving round foods has become a staple of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Spanish Influence: Celebrating with Food

The Spanish colonial period left a lasting impact on Filipino food culture, with many Spanish dishes becoming integrated into Filipino cuisine. The idea of celebrating New Year’s Eve with a grand feast, or Media Noche, was influenced by the Spanish, and over time, the Filipino custom of preparing round foods for prosperity became an integral part of this celebratory meal.

The Symbolism of Round Foods in Filipino Culture

In the Philippines, round foods are more than just a festive meal—they carry significant symbolic meaning. Each round food represents not only the desire for wealth but also completeness, unity, and continuous success.

Wealth and Financial Prosperity: The most common interpretation of round foods is their association with wealth. Because coins are round, Filipinos believe that serving and consuming round foods will invite financial success and ensure that the family remains prosperous in the coming year.

Completeness and Unity: Round objects also symbolize wholeness and completeness, which is why round foods are not just about money but about maintaining harmony and unity within the family. The circular shape is seen as representing continuity, reinforcing the idea that the family will stay strong and united throughout the year.

Continuous Success: The endless nature of a circle reflects the hope for continuous success. By serving round foods, Filipinos believe they are creating an unbroken flow of blessings that will carry them through the year with sustained fortune, health, and happiness.

Round Foods Served During New Year’s Eve

A Filipino New Year’s Eve feast, or Media Noche, is a lavish meal shared by family and friends. Round foods take center stage on the table, with a variety of fruits, desserts, and even savory dishes included to maximize the chances of attracting prosperity.

12 Round Fruits: One of the most popular traditions is serving 12 different round fruits, each representing one month of the year. This tradition stems from the belief that having 12 round fruits on the table will ensure good luck for each month of the coming year. Commonly used fruits include:

• Oranges: Known for their vibrant color and association with good fortune.
• Grapes: Believed to symbolize abundance, grapes are often eaten at midnight for good luck.
• Apples: A symbol of health and longevity.
• Melons: Representing abundance and sweetness in life.
• Watermelon: Symbolizes fertility and wealth due to its many seeds.
• Cantaloupe: A popular round fruit that is sweet and juicy, symbolizing a sweet year ahead.

Other fruits commonly included are pomelos, plums, lychees, and kiwis. The variety of fruits on the table reflects the family’s hopes for a year filled with diverse blessings and fortune.

Round Desserts

In addition to fruits, round desserts are also featured during Media Noche. These sweets are believed to bring happiness and prosperity, and their round shape emphasizes the idea of continuity and completeness. Some popular round desserts include:

• Buchi (Sesame Balls): A Chinese-Filipino dessert made of sticky rice filled with sweet paste, often mung bean or lotus, and coated with sesame seeds. Its round shape and sweetness represent wealth and happiness.
• Polvoron: A crumbly shortbread made from flour, sugar, and milk, often shaped into round molds.
• Macarons: Colorful meringue-based treats, symbolizing sweetness and joy for the coming year.

Round Savory Dishes

Traditional savory dishes also play a part in the New Year’s feast. Popular round savory dishes include:

• Pancit: Long noodles representing long life, often served in a round dish.
• Ham: Often served in a round form, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
• Round Steamed Cakes: Known as “puto” in Filipino, these cakes are often shaped into circles and symbolize prosperity.

Conclusion

The Filipino custom of making round foods for New Year’s Eve is a beautiful tradition steeped in symbolism. Each round item on the table represents hopes and dreams for prosperity, unity, and success in the coming year. By gathering with family and sharing these round foods, Filipinos celebrate not only the arrival of the new year but also the values of togetherness and gratitude. Whether through fruits, desserts, or savory dishes, the act of preparing and sharing round foods serves as a reminder of the blessings of the past year and the promise of a prosperous year ahead.