Rethinking Traditions: Why We Should Move On from Outdated New Year’s Eve Practices

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, people around the world celebrate the arrival of a new year with traditions that have been passed down for generations. In the Philippines, these celebrations are often marked by two distinct customs: the explosive noise of fireworks and the gathering of twelve round fruits for good fortune. While these practices are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, it's time to ask ourselves: Are they still beneficial or productive in today’s world?

The Dark Side of Fireworks and Explosives

1. Health and Safety Hazards

Every New Year’s Eve, fireworks-related injuries make headlines, as hundreds of people, including children, suffer from burns, amputations, and other life-altering injuries caused by mishandled fireworks and illegal explosives. These events overwhelm hospitals, taking away vital resources from other essential health needs.

2. Environmental Impact

Fireworks are not just dangerous to people—they also harm the environment. The smoke and chemicals released into the air contribute to air pollution, which can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma or other pre-existing conditions. Fireworks debris often ends up in water systems, harming marine life and polluting natural habitats.

3. Financial Waste

The money spent on fireworks could be better allocated to more meaningful causes, such as education, healthcare, or charitable efforts. In an era when many families are struggling financially, it seems counterproductive to burn money in the form of fireworks just for a few moments of noise and spectacle.

4. Noise Pollution

The deafening sounds of fireworks are more than just an annoyance—they cause stress and anxiety for people, pets, and wildlife. Animals, especially pets, are highly sensitive to loud noises, and many suffer panic attacks or run away from home during firework displays.

The Alternative: Instead of traditional fireworks, communities can opt for organized drone light shows or laser displays, which are safer, environmentally friendly, and just as visually captivating.

The Myth of the Twelve Round Fruits

In Filipino culture, gathering twelve round fruits on New Year’s Eve is thought to bring prosperity, with each fruit symbolizing good fortune for the twelve months ahead. While the symbolism is charming, does it actually make a difference to your well-being, or is it just another outdated tradition?

1. Financial Strain on Families

The demand for specific fruits, particularly round ones, surges during the holiday season, leading to price hikes. Families, especially those already struggling, feel pressured to participate in this tradition to avoid "bad luck," despite the financial strain it creates.

2. Food Waste

More often than not, the twelve round fruits serve as mere decorations and go uneaten. This contributes to food waste, a growing global issue. In a world where many people face hunger and scarcity, discarding food for symbolic purposes seems irresponsible.

3. Misguided Belief in Luck Over Action

Believing that prosperity will automatically come from the mere act of gathering round fruits creates a false sense of security. True success and prosperity are built on education, hard work, planning, and wise decisions—not from a fruit bowl.

The Alternative: Instead of spending money on round fruits, families can focus on practical preparations for the new year, such as setting financial goals, making charitable contributions, or investing in self-improvement.

Moving Forward: A Smarter Way to Celebrate

Traditions are an important part of our culture—they connect us to our roots, offer a sense of belonging, and make celebrations more memorable. However, not all traditions are worth preserving, especially when they pose risks, waste resources, or promote misguided beliefs.

A New Approach to New Year’s Celebrations:

Community-Led Light Shows: Replace fireworks with coordinated drone or LED displays.

Focus on Sustainability: Opt for reusable or eco-friendly decorations and avoid unnecessary waste.

Meaningful Gatherings: Spend quality time with loved ones in ways that foster deeper connections rather than focusing on superstitions.

Practical Prosperity Rituals: Start a savings jar, set personal goals, or donate to a cause that helps others.

Let Education Lead the Way

It's time we let education truly enlighten us! Let’s trust in science, facts, and evidence over superstitions and unfounded beliefs. Knowledge backed by proof will always light the way forward.

While traditions are important, it’s essential to let logic and reason guide our decisions. Education empowers us to question outdated practices and seek solutions that are healthier, more sustainable, and more meaningful. Believe what you want, but let’s keep science at the top of our priority list—because facts will always outshine the noise!

By embracing smarter, more informed ways of celebrating, we can make New Year’s Eve not just a time for revelry, but also a time for reflection and responsible action. Let this coming New Year’s Eve mark not just the end of a calendar year, but the start of a new mindset—one that values safety, sustainability, and true prosperity over superstition and spectacle.

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