Red and Gold, Why do Filipinos Join the Fold?

    The streets welcome you with shades of red and gold with the firecrackers' echoes in the air. Crowds gather to witness the grand dragon and lion dances weaving through the streets. Markets overflow with lucky charms, round fruits, and tikoy, the sticky rice cake that finds its way to almost every Filipino household during this time of the year. 

It is Chinese New Year, and across the Philippines, the celebration is just as lively as in any Chinese community around the world. 

But why do Filipinos, with their own deep-rooted traditions, celebrate this occasion with such enthusiasm?

    The answer is simple yet profound. It is about history, family, prosperity, and the undeniable Filipino love for grand and meaningful celebrations. The presence of the Chinese in the Philippines dates back to pre-colonial times, long before the Spanish set foot on the islands. Early Chinese traders traveled across the seas, bringing not just silk, porcelain, and spices but also their customs and beliefs. Many of them settled, married Filipinos, and became part of the local community. As time passed, their traditions became interwoven with Filipino culture. Today, a significant number of Filipinos have Chinese ancestry, and even those without Chinese blood have embraced the customs as their own.

The Filipinos' idea of welcoming a new year with optimism and hope is something that deeply resonates with Filipinos. In a country where challenges are a part of everyday life, the promise of a fresh start is a powerful thing. Chinese New Year is seen as a time to attract good fortune, and Filipinos, much like the Chinese, have adopted many of its lucky traditions. Red clothing, believed to drive away bad luck, is worn with pride. 

    Families ensure their tables are filled with twelve different round fruits, symbolizing prosperity for every month of the year. Firecrackers are set off to chase away evil spirits, while sticky rice cakes are shared in the hope of a stronger bond among loved ones. The giving of ang pao, red envelopes filled with money, is also widely practiced as a way to spread blessings and attract financial stability.

At its core, Chinese New Year is a celebration of family, and this is where it aligns perfectly with Filipino values. Just like during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, loved ones come together to share a meal, exchange well wishes, and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the future. For many, it is a rare chance to reunite with relatives who have been away for work or studies, making it a highly anticipated occasion.  

 Businesses, even those that are not owned by Chinese-Filipino families, also recognize the significance of the event. Malls, restaurants, and hotels host grand festivities, drawing in crowds eager to witness the traditional dragon dance and partake in promotions tied to the occasion. Even schools introduce students to the importance of the Lunar New Year, teaching them about the zodiac animals and their meanings. 

    But beyond the fun, Chinese New Year in the Philippines is also a reflection of the country’s openness to different cultures. It is proof of how traditions, no matter their origin, can thrive when embraced by people who find meaning in them.

Reference
Manila Bulletin. (2024, February 8). Why Chinese New Year is important for Filipinos. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/8/why-chinese-new-year-is-important-for-filipinos