Published by: Marino Peralta
Date Published: November 2, 2023
Time Published: 4:30 pm
Losing a loved one is one of the most heartbreaking moments we could ever experience in our lives. Sometimes, there are certain moments in our life that we wish that we can have a chance to talk with our late loved ones. Talking to them may not be possible but their memory and presence can still provide solace in our darkest moments. In times of grief, remembering the love and joy they brought into our lives can be a source of comfort in the midst of our sorrow.
In our country, the holiday season known as ππ―π₯π’π΄ is observed in honor of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. This is a highly religious occasion that takes place from the end of October until November 2, and is of great significance to the Filipino people [1]. Every year, countless families flock to cemeteries and memorial parks each year to pay respect to their departed loved ones. Celebrating the infamous season called ππ―π₯π’π΄ comes with a lot of beliefs that we Filipinos believe and practice. And now, let's gather insights into what most Filipinos believe in during this solemn event!
π§ππ π¦π£ππ₯ππ§ π’π π§ππ πππ£ππ₯π§ππ π₯π’ππ π¦ ππ₯π’π¨π‘π ππ¨π₯ππ‘π π¨π‘πππ¦
Filipinos has an interesting belief that are well-known during ππ―π₯π’π΄, they believe that the spirits of the deceased roam around. Interesting right? Moreover, they also believe that lighting candles is the best way to guide the souls of departed loved ones during this time, they will light several candles outside their house which is usually in a number of how many of their loved ones passed away [2]. During this spiritual time, Filipinos come together to create a beautiful display of flickering lights, symbolizing the enduring connection between the living and the departed.
π’π‘π π π¨π¦π§ ππ©π’ππ πͺπππ₯ππ‘π π₯ππ ππ‘π π’π§πππ₯ πππ₯π ππ’ππ’π₯π¦ π§π’ π§ππ πππ ππ§ππ₯π¬
If you like wearing clothes that are usually in a color of red, and other dark colors – well, you may want to keep those things from your cabinet for the meantime! Because Filipinos believe that wearing red or any other dark colors is often seen as inappropriate when visiting a cemetery. It is believed that wearing these colors during the ππ―π₯π’π΄ season brings bad luck and disturbs the spirit of the departed. Typically, Filipinos go for black or white attire as a sign of mourning. Black symbolizes sorrow while white represents the purity and the soul's passage, to heaven.
π©ππ¦ππ§π’π₯π¦ π π¨π¦π§ π’ππππ₯ ππ’π’π ππ‘π ππ₯ππ‘ππ¦ π§π’ π§ππ ππππ
Foods and drinks are not just for a living person! Filipinos believe that during ππ―π₯π’π΄, they must offer food and drinks to the deceased which are usually placed on altars or tombs. By doing this, they believe that the deceased will be well-fed even to the afterlife. Rice cakes, chicken, fruits, and water are usually what they present to the deceased as a symbol of their love. Some Filipinos even prepare food that the deceased liked to eat when they were still alive.
π¦ππ‘πππ‘π ππ‘π π£πππ¬ππ‘π π π¨π¦ππ
Apart from providing food, Filipinos also believe in singing and playing music during ππ―π₯π’π΄ [3]. This practice ables them to made a connection with their loved ones and show respect through the use of music. The songs that are typically chosen carry an soothing tone, touching on themes of love, loss and trust. It is believed that with a musics, they can guide souls back, to their resting places while providing solace and comfort to the living.
ππππ©ππ‘π ππ§ππ π¦ π’π₯ π’ππππ₯ππ‘ππ¦
Leaving items or offerings is also one of the interesting beliefs of Filipinos during ππ―π₯π’π΄, they believe that this will show their honor and respect to the deceased. They also believe that this practice symbolizes their love, appreciation, and remembrance for their loved one who passed away and also bringing comfort and reassurance to their souls. Flower, candles, food, and personal things such as photos, or cherished mementos are some of the common offerings they leave to the gravesite.
Remembering and honoring our departed loved ones is always an occasion for us Filipinos. This ππ―π₯π’π΄ is a time to find joy in the moment, reflect on the past, and look ahead to the future. While each Filipino has a unique way of celebrating ππ―π₯π’π΄ – their love and devotion, towards their loved ones grows year after year. This annual event serves as a reminder that death's not an end but a new beginning. ππ―π₯π’π΄ teaches us to embrace our beliefs and treasure the memories of our loved ones that will forever reside in our hearts.
REFERENCES:
[1] Lady's Choice. (n.d). 6 All Saints' Day Traditions Kids Should Know About. https://www.ladyschoice.com.ph/momspiration/all-saints-day-traditions-kids.html#:~:text=Undas%20refers%20to%20the%20entire%20celebration%20from%20October%2031%20to%20November%202
[2] Moya, J. (2022, November 2). All Souls Day: Filipino Superstitions to Know. https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/others/all-souls-day-filipino-superstitions-to-know
[3] Eclipse, L. (2022, October 29). Everything You Need to Know About the Unique Philippine Holiday "Undas," And How It Will Affect Your Remote Workers' Schedule. https://www.remotestaff.com.au/blog/undas-philippines-remote-workers-schedule/
No comments:
Post a Comment