In the Philippines, the 12 fruits prepared for New Year's Eve luck should traditionally be round.
Many Filipino households display 12 round fruits at New Year. The fruits represent the 12 months of the coming year, while their round shape is associated with coins and therefore with prosperity. Families may choose different fruits, so there is no single mandatory list.
The custom forms part of a wider set of Filipino New Year practices influenced by local beliefs and Spanish-era traditions. People may also make loud noises, wear polka dots, or keep coins in their pockets, all with the aim of attracting abundance and driving away bad luck.
The number 12 can be mistaken for a requirement to use 12 identical fruits. It instead refers to the months, and the selection commonly varies according to household preference and seasonal availability.