Yes, Agutaynens do “celebrate” New Year’s Eve. Most of them believe the events of the evening of December 31, especially at midnight, will foretell the events of 2011. For example, a rice pot with no rice in it on the evening of December 31 will mean 2011 will be filled with hunger. Another example, if there is no money in the house on December 31 then 2011 will be a difficult year for the family financially.
As a result, Agutaynens go to great lengths to make sure their homes are well prepared for December 31. They will make sure all containers of rice, sugar, coffee, and water are full. By doing so, Agutaynens believe that these items will not be scarce during the New Year.
At midnight, Agutaynens will also turn on their radios and start their motorcycles or generators (if they have such items). By doing so, many Agutaynens believe that these items will run smoothly throughout the New Year.
Some Agutaynens will also observe the ocean, the stars and the animals at midnight. Many believe that these things will foretell what type of year they will have, that being a plentiful year or a difficult one.
As you can see many Agutaynens find hope in what they can do themselves or in creation, not in the Creator.
We pray that all of us will find our hope in Jesus alone, especially as we look to Him in this coming New Year.