ANOTHER holiday! Here comes one of the most anticipated events of the year – well, maybe we won’t get that much of an excitement compared to the past years due to this pandemic.
Cemeteries have been closed as the government aims to prevent gatherings which could result to possible transmission.
Now we list down 8 Undas traditions Filipinos still practice even amid community lockdowns.
1. Visiting departed loved ones
Even before cemeteries were told shut for a week (Oct. 29-Nov. 4), many of us have already paid a visit to our departed loved ones. Some would opt to visit anytime in November, too. Maybe a little different from the past years, when we get to reunite with our other relatives, this experience now brings such longing for a bigger circle. But anyway, as long as we remember the important persons in our life this day – and pray for them wherever we are – we’d feel like we’re connected.
2. We still ‘pick’ their favorite flowers.
I’m not completely sure about yours, but one factor we consider in ‘picking’ or choosing the flowers we will offer to the dead, is the closest one to his/her heart. Many Filipinos believe that the dead “will be happy” at the sight of their faves. (As for me, I visited my grandma last Saturday and brought her her favorite red rose.) Yes, some would opt to purchase arranged bouquets or set (it’s completely great), but the feeling is different if you’re the one who did the arrangement. Extra effort for your lovies.
3. Serve the dead’s favorite food.
Filipinos also have this tradition of offering food to the dead. In our local belief, it is called “butang sa ba-id,” where a set of food – from their favorite food to a small cup of rice topped with a rolled banana leaf containing salt down to their favorite beverage – is placed on the grave, in front of the altar, or in front of their photographs at home. Candles were then lit to “complete the table.” Filipinos believe that with this, the dead won’t miss their favorite bud of the taste buds.
4. Recite prayers.
Of course, our candles should come with our sincerest messages to them and that’s through prayers. Majority of Catholics also recite the Holy Rosary. In this time of pandemic, after our own visits to cemeteries, it’s also a great time to have a family prayer at home (we can invite our other relatives to join even via Zoom). The Filipino faithful believe that prayers fuel the soul for prayers are powerful. Aside from prayers, some Filipinos would offer songs to their beloved.
5. Lighting candles at our doorsteps
At the eve of Undas, we’d get to see candles lined up on the doorstep of some houses. It is believed that this serves as light for souls towards a brighter path on their journey to afterlife.
6. We prepare our ultimate ‘Undas’ foodies.
What’s your favorite food served every Undas? Locally, we prepare these foodie-goodies with our infamous ingredient – pilit or sticky rice. Adding up coconut milk (gatà) and muscovado sugar, we’re about to experience a handful bliss! Some of our top faves: kalamay de hati, suman, muasi, alupi, inday-inday, linugaw and ibos, among many others.
7. No more parties so…
Likewise, this Undas is supposedly our time to gather with our friends clad in *spooky* outfits for some get-together. Sadly, no parties allowed now so what we do is to get in that costume, take a selfie and dive into our socmeds. Ohh, we’re Halloween-ready!
8. Watching a horror movie or two.
This season, televisions and radios would air spooky shows featuring true-to-life or fantasy stories for us to enjoy. We could also opt for the movies. Some would gather as a group, turn off the lights and tell some ghost stories. Isn’t that exciting?
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Maybe this Halloween looked a bit different than that of the past years, but it offers a thing – to remember someone. May it be our departed loved ones, a relative longing to come back home but couldn’t, or our parents and children at our homes living lives to the fullest./PN