In the Philippines, round fruits are traditionally displayed in a set of 12 for New Year's Eve.
The fruits represent prosperity and are associated with the twelve months of the coming year. Their round shape is thought to resemble coins, making them a symbolic wish for financial abundance. Common examples include apples, oranges, grapes, melons, and other round produce, although the exact selection varies among families.
The practice forms part of a broader Filipino New Year tradition called Media Noche, the midnight feast shared as the old year changes to the new one. Other customs include making noise and wearing clothing with circular patterns or polka dots. The number twelve is central to the fruit display, but some households use a larger or smaller assortment while keeping the symbolism of roundness and prosperity.