In the 1500s, Christianity was introduced to the Philippines when the Spaniards first set foot to the country. As this religion is a main part of Spanish culture, Filipinos became a part of this tradition as well and has learned to embrace it ever since. Presently, the Philippines is identified to be the only Christian nation among other countries in Asia.
Christian Filipinos make up 86% of the total religious community in the country. In this regard, every catholic holiday and occasions are celebrated with long-time traditions as part of its festivities. One of the most popular and celebrated Christian occasions in the Philippines is the Holy Week.
Holy week otherwise referred to as Semana Santa, is a week of contemplation, reflection and commemoration of the passion and suffering of Jesus Christ. 40 days after the observance of Ash Wednesday, Filipinos will come together to observe long-placed customs and traditions.
Depending on who you ask, most people, especially the senior members of the society gear towards following these long-standing traditions.
This day is known as the starting day for the Holy Week. Devotees flock together with their palaspas otherwise known as palm fronds. These palaspas are waved upon the entry of the priest to the church. These actions are reenactment of Jesus and his disciples’ entry to Jerusalem.
As part of the celebration of the mass, the priest blesses the palm leaves. Filipinos then use these palm leaves as décor on their houses’ doors to keep them from evil’s way.
A ritual where people chant, sing or recite the words of Pasyon. The Pasyon book recounts Jesus’ life from his birth, death and resurrection.
The observance of fasting and abstinence is done in solidarity of Jesus’ sacrifices for mankind. Throughout the Holy Week, people avoid eating meat or reduce mealtime. Others let go of their “guilty pleasure” such as drinking alcohol or smoking.
Done during the Maundy Thursday mass, a small presentation of the priest washing twelve person’s feet to remember Jesus’ display of humility and being of service to others much like how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
One of the most popular traditions during Holy Week is Visita Iglesia. This is where Filipinos visit catholic churches and recite the station of the cross. However, as the restrictions are still on-going, people are silently praying on their own.
Also called Vua Crucis or Way of the Cross, this is a tradition where Filipinos pray and meditate in front of Jesus’ fourteen images that depicted his events of crucifixion and resurrection.
Considered as the final highlight of the Holy Week, Salubong is done during the Easter Sunday at 4 o’clock in the morning. It depicts the reenactment of Jesus’ first meeting with Mary.
Photos: Pexels.com
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