Why do we throw confetti during special occasions? Kuya Kim explains

Students and staff of the University of Cebu - Banilad Campus took part in kicking off this year’s intramural event with their “confetti wars” tradition.

In Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, tournament manager Niño Ardiza said that the tradition, which started in 2009, signifies “unity via diversity.”

“Dean had asked the UCCP president to have the intramurals unique and one of a kind. She thought of having confettis being launched from the air to signify unity via diversity,” he said.

Each confetti color also symbolized a college or department.

According to Kuya Kim, throwing thousands of colorful paper symbolizes good vibes and happiness during parties.

It is also used at weddings in the belief that it will bring luck and happiness to the bride and groom.

Kuya Kim added that it is believed that throwing confetti started in Northern Italy during the Middle Ages, where throwing candy, coins, fruits, and more became a tradition during the 14th century.

With the rise of technology, the flowers and various plants have been replaced by various papers of different colors.

Meanwhile, paper confetti was first used in 1885 to celebrate the new year in Paris, France.

Today, one may also find confetti made from eco-friendly materials.

The confetti used in University of Cebu's intramural event, for example, did not include any plastic. The confetti was also cleaned up after an hour.

“Hindi po kami gumagamit ng mga plastic. It's crepe paper ang ginagamit. We do not allow other materials which are non-biodegradable,” said SAO director Pedz Ocdenaria-Quiñal.

— Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News