Pinoys Practice New Year’s Traditions in Austria

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For most Filipinos, New Year’s Day is a time to be reunited with family and to welcome the dawn of another year with hope.

For Arnel Ramos, a Filipino hotel worker in Vienna, New Year’s Day is a chance to visit his relatives living in the province.

Since he arrived in Austria three years ago, he hasn’t been able to visit his relatives living in the western part of Austria.

“Malayo kasi sila, I have to travel 9 to 10 hours para mabisita sila. Though this New Year, dapat uuwi talaga sa mga kamag-anak, para sama-sama at maging masaya sa darating na 12 buwan,” Ramos said.

In order to attract money and prosperity, Yolanda P., a teacher, hangs grapes on every window and door.

“I am a believer of pamahiin and traditional beliefs that are said to bring good luck. Eversince, though we are in a foreign land, we always have 13 circular fruits on the table on New Year’s Eve,” Yolanda told ABS-CBN News.

Nerlyn Chan, a Filipino-Chinese living in a suburban Vienna, believes that lighting incense and offering silent prayer while going around every room in the house is a big help to rid the house of bad luck and evil spirits.

Continue reading at ABS-CBN News