In the Philippines, round fruit is traditionally associated with the twelve fruits displayed for New Year's Eve.
Many Filipino families prepare twelve round fruits, with the shape representing coins and prosperity. The fruits may include grapes, oranges, apples, melons, and other varieties available locally. Some households choose exactly twelve to represent the months of the coming year, while others place additional fruit on the table while keeping the symbolic set.
The tradition is part of a broader New Year's focus on attracting prosperity. Round objects, polka-dot clothing, coins, and foods that symbolize abundance may all appear in celebrations. Families often gather for Media Noche, the midnight meal shared as the old year changes to the new one.
The custom is sometimes described as requiring twelve identical fruits, but that is not the usual idea. The important features are generally the round shape, the association with coins, and the connection to the twelve months.