Day of the Dead: A Filipino Catholic Tradition
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Day of Saints and the Dead, a Filipino Catholic Tradition
In the Philippines, days before All Saints Day and All Souls Day, people go to cemeteries for their annual "grass-clearing". They, or they have someone, tabas (tuh'bus) or cut away overgrown grasses around their dead relatives' tombs. This, I believe, is the tradition. Come the weeks close to November 1st and 2nd, Catholic Filipinos prepare themselves to go back to cemeteries for a visit. We call this Araw ng Patay (ah'rou nung putt-tie') or Day of the Dead. It is actually on the 2nd - All Souls' Day - the day for all our faithful departed. But most people go visit as early as when the holiday starts at the first day of November. Yes, it is religious. The dominantly Catholic country, strongly believing in life after death, knows that prayers will help the souls in purgatory reach eternal life in heaven.
Flowers, candles and silent prayers? It is not really as boring as you may think. Our Araw ng Patay can be colorful - like Poland as pictured on the right - and sometimes loud, too...
No Real Halloween Fun But A Busy Merry-Making Event
In the morning, it feels like springtime in 4-season countries. The supposedly Halloween time becomes like the second bloom of the year. Buckets of flowers are everywhere for sale. Store fronts become a colorful garden to attract Catholic buyers. Candles, plain or decorated, also become hot items. I've always wanted to get the fancy ones but we always opted for the cheap whites made of wax.
I don't remember myself actually praying by tombstones. I might have whispered to my oldest brother (who died about a week after birth) but not prayed. As far as I know, the days of the dead continue to be more of a merry-making occasion rather than solemn moments. Old tradition becomes modern, so to speak. We, however, never really did or do on our end. But on other graveyards, people are all out. They bring tents, mats, chairs and picnic goodies as if it is a big family reunion. Well, sort of, it is . . . only that there are dead relatives being involved.
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wow, never thought you were a Filipino, too Lance ;p
Sounds like a great time for all souls, living or dead. I suspected you were from there. Now I know.
Very interesting. I had heard of it but didn't know what it is about. Thanks for the information. That's a great photo at the top, too.
November is very much a month dedicated to the Holy Souls here in Ireland too!Fantastic hub.
This is interesting!
Gio Arteaga 2 years ago
Well, it is a very similar tradition in Latin American. :)