jumping to 2011 and other beliefs

According to the ancient wisdom of the Mayan calendar, we have a little over a year to get our act together.  We have to become better people than we are now and raise our astral vibrations to an enlightened level, so that we can stand by, unaffected, as the world flips its electro-magnetic axis or as a gargantuan asteroid plummets to Earth or the Feathered Serpent returns or the ice caps melt or aliens arrive or…or whatever is supposed to happen.

So, lets jump later like a frog for  a blissful 2011 ahead of us.It is  a favorite thing to do with children  to jump twelve times so they will get taller next year the higher you jump the taller you grow.

 Filipinos have other beliefs and practices which are associated and believed to bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity in the New Year.

• The noise and the firecrackers is believed to drive the evil spirit away and make the New Year bountiful and blessed.
• You should put coins/money in your pocket so that next year will be prosperous.
• You should open all the windows, doors lights so that all the graces will come to your home as you welcome the New Year.
• Some believe that you have to wear polka dots shirts or dress because it symbolise money, and it must have a deep pocket and filled with money bills and coins and jingled it at the stroke of midnight for good luck .
• Some people pay off their debts in the hope that they will not be saddled with debt throughout the year.

The countdown of New year varies from family to family or from region to region. At the strike of 12:00 midnight, the noise becomes defeaning, churchbells rings , firecrackers rules the sky, kids gaping in awe as they see the different firecrackers, blooming in the sky. The banging and booming rise to a climax which includes clanging of old pots and pans, blowing jeep, car or tricyle horns, ambulance sirens for full one minute as the countdown to New Year.

 The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to drive away bad spirits.

Around 12:15 am, the noise stops and the air is filled with human voice and the family starts to eat a thanksgiving feast called Media Noche, it is believed that we should put as much food on the table so that next year you will have food all year round. Twelve round fruits should be on the table as it is a sign of prosperity for the next twelve months. There is also a midnight mass celebration to welcome the New Year and to thank God for all His blessings.

In some latin countries,  the fridge is  stashed with some juicy grapes, (pop twelve in your mouth and make a wish with each), they wear  special underwear (yellow for luck, red for passion and love), lentils to fill your pockets (for prosperity) and jewelry to drop into your champagne glass as you toast in 2011 (prosperity);  suitcases are  lined up ,  a brisk jog around the block at midnight, along with loads of cash in your wallet, and a good clean house. (Travel, financial luck and keeping the demonios away.)

In Brazil, wearing all white and jumping over seven waves at midnight promises love and luck. Devotees will also offer gifts, flowers and float candles on the ocean in honor of the Goddess of the Water. Fisherman take this one quite seriously following many superstitions involving the magic of the ocean. For example the amount of fish caught on New Year’s Day reflects the year of fishing ahead.

In Ecuador and a few other Latin American countries, there is the traditional burning of the “año viejo” which is represented as a large doll. These elaborate dolls, or home made crude straw figures, are sold on every street corner, and once purchased are often then made to look like a family member. The lucky family member chosen as the año viejo writes up a witty and rather silly will, of all the things he or she will leave behind and to whom. Often times these funny dolls are tied to cars and bicycles as the new year approaches. Then, at midnight of the new year, the dolls, or, the old year, are burned in big fires on the streets. Jumping over the burning dolls is said to bring luck.

Manigo at Masaganang Bagong Taon Sa Inyong Lahat !!!
A Happy and Prosperous New Year To All !!!