(1) Cross necklace, Filipino bishop Fengtian, cross necklace or statue of the Virgin Mary are very popular with them.
(2) Chinese tableware, exquisite and practical Chinese tableware is also a good gift.
(3) Calligraphy and painting, sending calligraphy and painting shows friendly cooperation and can also convey Chinese culture.
How do Filipinos celebrate the New Year?
The way Filipinos celebrate the New Year has been influenced by multiculturalism, mainly including Catholic beliefs, Chinese traditions and local customs. The following is an overview of how Filipinos celebrate the New Year:
1. Festive Celebrations: The main festive celebrations in the Philippines include Christmas, New Year and Easter. During these festivals, people hold rich celebrations such as praying, attending Mass, visiting relatives and friends, gathering meals and participating in parades.
2. Christmas: Filipinos take Christmas very seriously. The celebration starts on December 1 and is called “BER” (Countdown to Christmas). During the period, people decorate their houses, buy gifts, and participate in Christmas parades and concerts. Christmas Eve (December 24) is spent with family and friends to welcome the arrival of Christmas.
3. New Year: Filipinos celebrate the New Year by watching fireworks displays, praying, having a reunion dinner, and visiting relatives and friends. On New Year’s Eve (December 31), people will gather in Rizal Park in Manila to participate in the countdown to the New Year.
4. Traditional customs: Filipinos also keep some traditional customs during the Chinese New Year, such as “Tadtaray” and “Paglilibing”. Tadtaray is a custom of throwing colored powder, which means to exorcise evil spirits and avoid evil. Paglilibing is a Filipino tribute to the deceased. During the Chinese New Year, they will go to the cemetery to worship.
5. Food: The cuisine during the Philippine New Year is rich and diverse, including Christmas pudding, zongzi, roast chicken, braised pork, etc. The reunion dinner is an important moment for family reunion, accompanied by delicious food and laughter.
6. Family and Friends Reunion: Filipinos attach great importance to family and friends reunion during the Chinese New Year. People will visit each other, give gifts, and share happy times.
7. Lunar New Year: Although Filipinos are mainly Catholic, many Chinese communities still maintain the tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year. During the Spring Festival, they will hold dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, and Spring Festival couplets.
In short, Filipinos celebrate the New Year in a variety of ways, incorporating diverse cultures and traditional customs. During this time, people celebrate festivals, reunite relatives and friends, and taste delicious food to welcome the new year together.
