‘Auld Lang Syne’

By: Joe Mauricio

 

Let’s talk about a most special day that’s full of excitement in the calendar, a universal tradition for the whole wide world, including the Filipino tribe.

December 31, New Year’s Eve: A big deal of a celebration in the Philippines to celebrate the year’s end and to welcome the new year. Fireworks or labentador fun is almost always handled personally, though dangerous, and sometimes resulting to bodily harm and losses of lives. Hospitals do get fi lled up on this celebratory night.

Before midnight of December 31 st, Pinoy families like to have big dinner, similar to Christmas eve, with the whole family or for a family reunion. The traditional feast served is the country ham or lechon, native- cooked soup, mixed with special Filipino dishes cooked or ordered for the occasion. It’s not complete without indulging in drinking of lambanog or tuba (fermented coconut juice) in rural areas, but wine, beer, etc. In the urban areas.

The most-awaited countdown is most important expecting all the family members to be together for the toast, jumping, shouting and singing to welcome the new year. Still some old customs, traditions and superstitions are being observed,to welcome the good fortune to come into your life, such as, throwing away of coins to be grabbed by family members, dropping of coins and salt to every doorstep, nook and cranny of the house to bring economic success and fi nancial growth, getting a haircut for men and grooming for women, kissing the hands of the elderly for good blessings, etc.

Believe it or not, although the favorite adopted song for the New Year, Auld Lang Syne, is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns, it has become a staple song internationally in bidding farewell to the old year. Literally translated, it means “old long since” and basically means “days gone by.” This song has created fond memories of new year’s celebrations for many from everywhere.

Typical Filipino Christmas/New Year’s party with lots of singing, eating and fun held at the new home of Antonio Garcia, Sr. in North Barrington, IL. Guests are Joanne and Bailey Garcia, Adrian del Rosario, Carlo Lopez, John, Maria Girlie Pascual and James DC, Elizabeth & Elbert Regacho, Joe Mauricio and Veronica. Music by Edizon Dayao. Auld Lang Syne!