As Filipino families welcome the New Year, round fruits take center stage on dining tables across the country.

Long believed to symbolize luck, prosperity, and abundance, these fruits have become a cherished New Year tradition, one that continues to drive bustling sales in local markets as Filipinos seek a bountiful year.

Many families have long practiced the tradition of preparing 12 round fruits, believed to represent the 12 months of the year and to bring good luck in each month ahead.

The round shape itself represents completeness and the continuous cycle of life, believed to bring uninterrupted good fortune.

Here are the 12 round fruits that traditionally accompany your Media Noche table:

1. APPLE
   
   
   
   It symbolizes health and beauty in general. Red apples are believed to bring good luck, while green apples are associated with money and prosperity.

2. ORANGE
   
   
   
   Its bright color and round shape resemble gold coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

3. DALANDAN
   
   
   
   Its round shape signifies completeness and continuous blessings for the new year.

4. GRAPES
   
   
   
   Often seen as clusters of coins, grapes are believed to attract wealth, symbolizing abundance and success.

5. MANGOSTEEN
   
   
   
   Its dark rind and juicy interior are seen as auspicious signs of happiness and sweetness in life.

6. MELON
   
   
   
   Its cool and round form represents harmony and comfort in the year ahead.

7. CHICO
   
   
   
   Also called sapodilla, its sweet flesh is associated with satisfaction and happiness.

8. WATERMELON
   
   
   
   Its many seeds are believed to represent plentiful blessings and wealth.
   

9. HONEYDEW
   
   
   
   True to its appearance, it represents calm and rejuvenation through its soothing sweetness and vibrant shape.

10. LANZONES
    
    
    
    These small, round fruits are believed to bring good fortune while warding off misfortune.

11. LONGAN
    
    
    
    Longan is associated with prosperity and uplifting spirits. It also symbolizes good luck and renewed energy.

12. PERSIMMON
    
    
    
    Known for its honeyed flavor and berry-like fruit from the Diospyros, which is often translated as “fruit of the Gods." In many cultures, round persimmons symbolize joy and triumph.

There are also other round fruits commonly included, such as lychee, pear, kiwi, kiat-kiat, and more. Families may substitute or add different round fruits depending on availability, budget, or personal preference, making the tradition flexible rather than a strict list.