DOHA: Hypermarkets have witnessed huge demand for round fruits as Filipinos rush to buy various types of fruits to place on their dining tables to usher in the New Year tomorrow.
It is part of Filipino tradition to have 13 types of round fruits on their table as they ring in the New Year to attain prosperity year round.
Lots of Filipinos thronged hypermarkets to buy round fruits such as apples, sweet melons, kiwis, longans, watermelons, plums, peaches, pineapples, oranges, guavas, grapes, grape fruits, tangerines, chickos, mangosteens, pomegranates and berries, among others.
“There is an increase in demand, especially because it’s the end of the month and people have money to buy fruits, cake and ingredients for special food they would prepare to celebrate the New Year,” said a salesman at a leading hypermarket.
Ana Reyes, a Filipina, said even though she and her family have been living in Doha for five years now, they never forget to follow their traditions in welcoming the New Year, including having 13 types of round fruits on the table.
“Since I was young, we always buy fruits because they say the fruits could bring good luck for the entire year,” she said.
“It does not matter whether we buy only one piece of each type, as long as we have 13 types of round fruits on the table,” she added.
Contrary to what many think that only Filipinos follow this tradition that may sound bizarre to others, some nationalities also practise it.
“Not only Filipinos buy round fruits, other nationalities also buy them during this season,” said a saleslady at a hypermarket.
Asked if they had 13 types of fruits available, she said, “We have more than 13 and one of the bestsellers is the pineapple.”
She said people started purchasing round fruits on Saturday and until yesterday sales had been brisk. “But there won’t be much buyers tomorrow (today) because normally they would be busy preparing for celebrations,” she added.
For some people, effort to earn a living is not enough and they resort to beliefs to help them strive better even if it’s only on the psychological level, hence they cling to this belief which was an influence that came from the Chinese.
“I don’t believe these fruits will bring good luck, but it has been part of our tradition,” said Carlito, “But it could bring good health eating them after the New Year arrives.”
The Peninsula
