In the Philippines, fruit traditionally eaten or displayed for New Year should be round for good luck.
The custom is commonly associated with prosperity because round fruits resemble coins. Families may arrange twelve different round fruits on the New Year’s table, with the twelve fruits representing the twelve months of the coming year. The exact selection varies by household and region.
Common examples include grapes, oranges, apples, melons, and other fruits with a rounded form. Some families emphasize having twelve varieties, while others focus more generally on abundance and the coin-like shape.
The tradition is part of a broader Filipino New Year celebration influenced by Chinese customs and local practices. Other familiar customs include making loud noises at midnight and using polka dots or round patterns in clothing. The round-fruit practice is symbolic rather than a requirement that every household follow an identical menu.