Drive out ignorance

One superstitious belief that was used as an excuse by Filipinos to light up firecrackers on New Year's Eve is that the explosion would drive out evil spirits as well as bad luck.

- CITO BELTRAN

I knew someone who actually threw firecrackers in dark places of their house.

From what I remember, he was considered as one of the evil spirits by his wife, because who or what else would throw firecrackers inside their own house?

In other places, like Lipa City, people buy "round fruits" to symbolize money and place these on their dining table before the clock strikes 12. I also remember a time when people would stuff their wallets and pockets with cash and foreign currency.

Due to inflation, people now wear clothes with circles, balls or money printed on them. Did you jump up and down on New Year's Eve to become taller and get out of Barangay 4'11" height limit?

If it works then I "wish" them all a "prosperous New Year."

That I believe is the best we can all do for each other. As far as I see it, wishing is next to praying and placing a blessing on someone.

As a form of "blessing" we used to have the "Mano po" culture in the Philippines, where the younger members of the family would take the hand of their parents or grandparents, place their foreheads on the backside of the hand and say "Mano po" to express respect and reverence.

In response, the elder member would "pray" or say a blessing for provision, protection or God's mercy to be upon the younger individual. It was practiced when coming and going.