Having been in this country for my whole life, I am still astonished by the belief and tradition that this rich culture has to offer, and one of them is the twelve fruits on the table during the new year. It is the center piece of celebration during the New Year's Eve called "Media Noche", where families gather and share their hopes for the coming year.
The fruits symbolize the 12 months of the coming year with each fruit has its meaning,
- Watermelon (Symbolize Abundance) - Symbolize a month that overflow fullness and richness, not just materially but in all aspects of existence.
- Pear (Symbolize Fertility and Femininity) - Symbolize a month of new life, growth and potential.
- Lemon (Symbolize Purity and Cleanliness) - Symbolize a month of innocence, virtuous and renewal.
- Orange (Symbolize Enthusiasm and Energy) - Symbolize a month of passion, excitement, a sense of drive and motivation.
- Melon (Symbolize Luxury and Indulgence) - Symbolize a month of extravagance and pleasure.
- Olive (Symbolize Peace and Reconciliation) - Symbolize a month of desire to end conflict, promote harmony and restore relationship.
- Grape (Symbolize Community and Connection) - Symbolize a month of the belongingness and the relationship build with one another.
- Papaya (Symbolize Healing and wellbeing) - Symbolize a month of restoration of health, wholeness and balance in mind, body and spirit.
- Pomelo (Symbolize Goodluck and Fortune) - Symbolize a month of positive outcomes, success and favorable destiny.
- Chico/Sapodilla (Symbolize Simplicity and Humility) - Symbolize a month of authenticity, gratitude and focus on what truly matters.
- Apple (Symbolize Knowledge and Wisdom) - Symbolize a month of pursuit and attainment of deep understanding, insight and enlightenment.
- Coconut - (Symbolize Resilience and Adaptability) - Symbolize a month to overcome challenges, bounce back from adversity and thrive in changing circumstances.
This not necessarily mean that each month will be that fruit symbolism, it is there to remind the members of the family the values and characteristic that they must have to face another year with optimism and hope.