There are unique ways for each culture to celebrate specific occasions. A very good example of this is how the people of the Philippines celebrate their own version of All Saints’ Day. There are many interesting things that happen in the Philippines during All Saints’ Day. Normally, other countries would celebrate it in a sad and solemn way because the celebration is all about remembering our deceased loved ones. But the Philippines even prepare parties and gatherings for the day.
So that we have a better idea of what the All Saints Day celebration is all about in the Philippines, here is a list of the things they do during this special occasion:
· Families carry out groups of signs called “pangangaluluwa”. These are singers who go from house to house on the eve of All Saints’ Day. People believe that this practice will bring peace to the deceased. Other families even hire these singers to sing in their homes so they can pray for departed family members.
· There is a special mass being held in Catholic churches on All Saints’ Day. It is usually a morning mass that takes place just before families go to the cemetery to offer flowers, candles and others to the graves of the deceased.
· Cemeteries can be absolutely packed during this time. All family members will go to the cemetery and stay there for most of the day. Sometimes people even sleep inside the cemetery and spend the night there. The cemetery is bright and crowded during that time, so it’s not that scary to spend the night there.
· Family members hold parties at the cemetery or in their homes. Most wealthy Filipinos do this. If they have a large mausoleum in the cemetery, they will prepare for many meals and feed their friends and family. They will invite people and hold a party like a feast inside the graveyard.
· The graves of the dead will be very colorful with flowers, candles, food, coins and many others. They believe that it is a way for the deceased to eat and enjoy food with them. They will also offer prayers such as the rosary for the deceased. It will help them to be at peace.
Filipinos also make the occasion a kind of rest for them. Usually when All Saints’ Day is celebrated, people are out of work for 3-5 days. It would be a vacation for many people to go to the province and be with their families.
That is the unique way to celebrate All Saints’ Day in the Philippines. This tradition has been carried out for many years, and it is one of the singularities that the Philippines has.
