When did the Special non-working day after New Year in Philippines start?
About Special non-working day after New Year in Philippines Holiday
Welcome to the Philippines, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant blend of traditions. As we kick off the new year, the Philippines celebrates a special non-working day after New Year’s Day – a holiday that is deeply ingrained in the country’s history and culture.
On January 2nd, Filipinos across the archipelago gather with their families and friends to commemorate the day known as “Special non-working day after New Year”. This holiday was established to give workers a well-deserved break after the hectic holiday season and to continue the celebrations of new beginnings.
The Philippines, also known as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, offers a unique and festive experience during this time. Various provinces hold colorful parades, street parties, and cultural performances showcasing the diverse traditions of the different regions. From the bustling city of Manila to the stunning beaches of Boracay, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this special holiday.
So come on, pack your bags and join us in the Philippines for a one-of-a-kind celebration on the special non-working day after New Year. Experience the warm hospitality and the beauty of our culture as we start the year with joy, fun, and a whole lot of fiesta. We can’t wait to welcome you to our shores and show you the true essence of Filipino hospitality. See you soon!
Special non-working day after New Year in the Philippines: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
With a diverse cultural heritage, rich traditions, and a deep love for celebrations, the Philippines is a country that knows how to turn any holiday into a vibrant and lively affair. One such holiday is the Special non-working day after New Year, which marks the first day of the year after the major New Year’s Eve festivities. This special day holds great significance and meaning for the Filipino people, and it’s a perfect opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions while indulging in delicious food and lively celebrations. Let’s take a closer look at this unique holiday and everything it entails.
Key Takeaways:
- The special non-working day after New Year is a significant holiday in the Philippines, celebrated on January 2nd.
- It marks the start of the New Year after the major New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- The holiday is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and traditions.
- It is celebrated with various traditions, food, attire, music, and greetings.
- The holiday holds great cultural and historical significance for the Filipino people.
History and Origin:
The special non-working day after New Year is deeply intertwined with Philippine history and dates back to the Spanish colonial period. During this time, the Philippines followed the Gregorian calendar, which celebrated the New Year on January 1st. However, with the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, they imposed the Roman Catholic calendar, which marked the New Year on January 2nd.
This change in the calendar was not accepted by the indigenous Filipino population, who continued to celebrate the New Year on January 1st. Over time, January 2nd was designated as a holiday to acknowledge the cultural differences and give people the opportunity to celebrate both dates. Today, it is known as the Special non-working day after New Year, and it holds great significance for the Filipino people.
Significance and Meaning:
The special non-working day after New Year is a celebration of cultural diversity and unity in the Philippines. It is an acknowledgment of the country’s complex history and the merging of different cultures. This holiday celebrates the differences that make the Philippines unique while promoting acceptance and understanding.
Moreover, the holiday also holds great importance for Filipinos as it marks the end of the holiday season and the start of a new year. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting new resolutions for the coming year. The holiday also signifies hope and new beginnings, making it a meaningful and joyous occasion for the Filipino people.
Symbols and Decorations:
The special non-working day after New Year in the Philippines is a colorful celebration, and decorations play a significant role in adding to the festive spirit. Houses and streets are adorned with colorful lights, lanterns, and flaglets. The colors of the Philippine flag – red, blue, and yellow, are prominent in decorations, symbolizing national pride and unity.
Firecrackers and fireworks are also an integral part of the celebration, as they are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits and bring prosperity and luck in the New Year. It is a tradition that has been passed down for generations and continues to this day.
Traditions and Celebrations:
The special non-working day after New Year is celebrated with various traditions and customs, some of which date back to pre-colonial times. One such tradition is the “pamahiin” or superstition of wearing polka dots clothing on New Year’s Day to represent prosperity and good fortune. The more round objects one wears, whether in clothing or accessories, the more luck they will have throughout the year.
Another tradition is the “Media Noche,” a feast that takes place on New Year’s Eve and continues until the early hours of the morning of January 1st. Families gather around a table filled with traditional Filipino dishes and delicacies, such as pancit (noodle dish), lumpia (spring rolls), and lechon (roasted pig). It is believed that starting the year with a feast symbolizes abundance for the family.
On the special non-working day after New Year, Filipinos usually spend the day with their loved ones, visiting relatives and friends, or participating in various community events and festivities. It is a time for reunions and catching up with loved ones, adding to the holiday’s significance and creating cherished memories.
Food and Cuisine:
In the Philippines, food is an essential part of any celebration, and the special non-working day after New Year is no exception. Traditional dishes play a significant role in the festivities, as they are believed to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year. Some of the most popular dishes include pancit (noodle dish), lumpia (spring rolls), and lechon (roasted pig).
A must-try dish during this holiday is the “tikoy” or sticky rice cake, believed to bring sweetness and happiness in the coming year. It is a common practice to exchange these cakes with friends and family as a gesture of love and goodwill. Additionally, a popular beverage served during the holiday is “buko pandan” or coconut jelly with pandan leaves, a refreshing and delicious treat.
Attire and Costumes:
Filipino traditional attire is showcased during the special non-working day after New Year celebrations. Women wear the “baro’t saya,” a traditional dress with intricate embroidery, paired with a “seda” or shawl, while men wear the “barong tagalog,” a formal embroidered shirt. Both these attires exude elegance and honor the country’s rich cultural heritage.
For children, the traditional Maria Clara dress for girls and Barong Tagalog for boys are popular choices. Additionally, some provinces in the Philippines have their own traditional attire, adding to the holiday’s cultural diversity and beauty.
Music and Songs:
The special non-working day after New Year is celebrated with lively and upbeat traditional music and songs. The most popular one is “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” which roughly translates to “Christmas has arrived” and signifies the beginning of the holiday season in the Philippines. Other songs such as “Namamasko” and “Pasko na Naman” add to the festive spirit and make for a joyful celebration.
Geographical Spread:
The special non-working day after New Year is celebrated all over the Philippines, with varying regional customs and traditions. However, the holiday is most prominently celebrated in major cities, such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Each region may have its own unique way of celebrating, but the essence of the holiday and its significance remains the same throughout the country.
Modern-Day Observations:
While the holiday has deep roots in Philippine history and traditions, some modern adaptations and changes have taken place over the years. For instance, the celebration of the holiday has become more widespread with the use of technology and social media. People can now connect and greet each other through virtual means, making it easier for families and friends who live far apart to celebrate together.
Additionally, some communities have incorporated parades and street parties into the holiday celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere and promoting tourism in the country. These modern-day observations have made the holiday even more vibrant and a great opportunity to showcase Philippine culture to the world.
Interesting Facts or Trivia:
- The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world, starting in September and ending on the special non-working day after New Year.
- The holiday was first established as a special non-working day in 2002 through Republic Act No. 9177.
- The three round fruits commonly displayed during New Year’s celebrations in the Philippines are apples, oranges, and grapes, symbolizing prosperity.
- The Philippines celebrates the New Year three times – December 31st, January 1st, and January 2nd.
- “Paputok” or firecrackers are strictly regulated in the Philippines, with designated areas for selling and setting them off during the holiday.
Holiday Wishes:
- “Maligayang Bagong Taon!” (Happy New Year!)
- “Manigong Bagong Taon!” (Prosperous New Year!)
- “Masaganang Bagong Taon!” (Abundant New Year!)
- “Mapayapang Bagong Taon!” (Peaceful New Year!)
- “Masaya at Maginhawang Bagong Taon!” (Happy and Comfortable New Year!)
Holiday Messages:
- “May this new year bring you joy, happiness, and prosperity. Maligayang Bagong Taon!”
- “Wishing you a blessed and prosperous New Year. Manigong Bagong Taon!”
- “Here’s to new beginnings and a wonderful year ahead. Masaganang Bagong Taon!”
- “May this year bring peace, love, and happiness to your life. Mapayapang Bagong Taon!”
- “Wishing you all the best for the coming year. Masaya at Maginhawang Bagong Taon!”
Holiday Quotes:
- “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” – Edith Lovejoy Pierce
- “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” – Alfred Lord Tennyson
- “Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer.” – Walter Scott
- “New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.” – Charles Lamb
- “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey
Other Popular Holiday Info:
As a mostly Catholic country, the Philippines also celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday after the special non-working day after New Year. This holiday celebrates the importance and sanctity of family life in Filipino culture, making it a perfect continuation of the New Year’s festivities. Additionally, some provinces also celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9th, with a grand procession and religious festivities.
FAQ:
- Q: Why is the special non-working day after New Year on January 2nd instead of January 1st?
- A: This is due to the Spanish colonial rulers imposing the Roman Catholic calendar, which marked the New Year on January 2nd.
- Q: What is the most commonly prepared dish during the New Year’s Eve feast?
- A: The most common dish is “pancit,” a noodle dish believed to bring long life and prosperity to those who eat it.
- Q: What are some traditional activities during the special non-working day after New Year celebrations?
- A: Visiting relatives and friends, attending community events, and watching fireworks displays are some common activities.
- Q: Is the special non-working day after New Year only celebrated in the Philippines?
- A: Yes, it is a unique holiday specific to the Philippines.
Conclusion:
The special non-working day after New Year in the Philippines is a vibrant and meaningful celebration, deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. It is a time for reflection, joy, and unity, and a perfect opportunity to experience Philippine traditions and customs. As we welcome the New Year, let us also appreciate the diversity and beauty of different cultures and continue to celebrate and learn from them.
How to Say "Special non-working day after New Year in Philippines" In Different Languages?
- Arabic
- إجازة خاصة بعد رأس السنة، الفلبين (ar-EG)
- French
- Jour férié spécial après le Nouvel An, Philippines (fr-FR)
- German
- Neujahrstag, Philippinen (de-DE)
- Hindi
- जानेवारी के बाद नए साल का विशेष अवकाश, फिलिपींस (hi-IN)
- Indonesian
- Hari libur khusus setelah Tahun Baru, Filipina (id-ID)
- Italian
- Vacanza non lavorativa speciale dopo Capodanno, Filippine (it-IT)
- Korean
- 신년 후 필리핀의 특별한 휴일 (ko-KR)
- Mandarin
- 元旦后的特别公众假期 (zh-CN)
- Persian
- تعطیلی ویژه بعد از سال جدید، فیلیپین (fa-IR)
- Portuguese
- Dia de folga especial depois do Ano Novo, Filipinas (pt-BR)
- Russian
- Специальный выходной день после Нового года, Филиппины (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Día de descanso especial después de Año Nuevo, Filipinas (es-MX)
- Spanish
- Día de descanso especial después de Año Nuevo, Filipinas (es-AR)
- Thai
- วันหยุดพิเศษหลังจากปีใหม่ ฟิลิปปินส์ (th-TH)
- Turkish
- Yılbaşı sonrası Özel Tatil, Filipinler (tr-TR)
Special non-working day after New Year in Philippines Also Called
Philippines New Year's DayCountries where "Special non-working day after New Year in Philippines" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 2008, Special non-working day after New Year in Philippines is celebrated on January 2 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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