Round shapes are traditionally associated with good fortune in Philippine New Year's Eve customs.
Many Filipino families display or eat round fruits at New Year's Eve celebrations. The circular form is linked with coins and prosperity, while the practice of preparing twelve fruits is often connected with the twelve months of the coming year. Exact fruit choices vary by household and region, but grapes, oranges, apples, and other round produce are common examples.
Some people also wear clothing with polka dots or carry coins in their pockets at midnight. These customs reflect a broader symbolism of attracting wealth and abundance for the year ahead. They are cultural traditions rather than official rules, so families may combine them with fireworks, noise-making, and a midnight meal.
The round-fruit custom is sometimes confused with Spain's twelve-grapes tradition. Both can involve twelve pieces of fruit, but Philippine celebrations emphasize circular shapes and prosperity symbolism, while the Spanish practice specifically centers on eating grapes to the twelve clock chimes.