Amidst the fall breeze and the echo of Halloween, the Philippines welcomes a day that sings a different tune—All Saints’ Day. Beyond pumpkins and costumes, this is a celebration with deep-rooted meaning, a tapestry of Catholic/Christian tradition, culture, and unity.
Join us on a journey to unravel the history, traditions, and colorful variations that make All Saints’ Day in the Philippines a vibrant and unforgettable affair. It’s more than a day; it’s a heartfelt symphony of remembrance and love.
What is All Saints’ Day?
All Saints’ Day is a Catholic/Christian holiday to honor the dead. It falls on November 1, the day after Halloween, and is a festival in countries where Catholicism is practiced.
History of All Saints Day
All Saints’ Day was first observed in Western Europe in the 700s. It was originally a time for people to honor those who had died during the preceding year. This was done by building altars outside their homes and decorating them with flowers and candles. People also prayed for their loved ones who had passed away.
In Catholic countries today, All Saints’ Day is still celebrated by lighting candles in cemeteries and praying for all those who have died. Most Catholics also visit their local church on or around November 1st to pray for their deceased family members or friends.
What is All Saints’ Day (Day of the Dead) called in the Philippines?
The Philippines has its own version of All Saints’ Day which is known as “Undas” or “Araw ng mga Patay”(Day of the Dead).
When is All Saints’ Day in the Philippines?
“Undas” or “Araw ng mga Patay” falls on November 1st. Filipinos light candles at cemeteries and pray for their loved ones who have passed away.
Source: FamilySearch
How did All Saints’ Day festivities start in the Philippines?
The observance of All Saints’ Day in the Philippines began during the Spanish colonial period, which lasted for more than three centuries.
The Spanish introduced Catholicism to the Philippines, and with it, they brought the tradition of honoring the dead on All Saints’ Day. The Filipinos embraced this tradition, blending it with their pre-colonial customs. The celebration was influenced by a mix of indigenous practices, Catholic rituals, and even some Chinese elements.
One key aspect of the Filipino observance of All Saints’ Day is the custom of visiting cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of deceased loved ones, often with candles and flowers. This practice is a way of paying respect and offering prayers for the souls of the departed.
How is All Saints’ Day celebrated today?
Over the years, the tradition evolved, and it became a significant cultural event in the Philippines. It’s still celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence, though.
Here's how All Saints' Day is celebrated in the Philippines today:
Visiting Cemeteries
Families visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried. They clean the graves, light candles, and offer flowers and prayers. This tradition is often done on the eve of All Saints' Day, and cemeteries are typically crowded during this time.
Decorating Graves
It's common to see graves adorned with colorful flowers, candles, and personal mementos. Some families bring food and have picnics at the cemetery, making it a festive gathering.
Mass and Prayers
Many attend Mass at churches, especially on All Saints' Day itself. It's a time for offering prayers for the deceased and seeking blessings for their souls.
Gathering with Family
All Saints' Day often brings families together for reunions. They share stories, reminisce about their loved ones, and strengthen family bonds.
Traditional Foods
Special foods are prepared for the occasion, including traditional Filipino dishes. Some regions have their own unique culinary traditions for this day.
Source: SCJ Philippines Region
Candle-Lighting
Lighting candles is a symbolic act of remembrance. In recent years, LED candles have become popular, particularly in areas where open flames are discouraged due to safety concerns.
Floral Offerings
Offering flowers is a common practice, and flower vendors are a common sight outside cemeteries during this time.
Public and Private Events
In some regions, there are public events and parades to mark All Saints' Day, while others prefer to keep the observance more private and personal.
Honoring Saints
The day is also a time to honor and remember saints, and some people dress up as saints or attend processions dedicated to particular saints.
All Saints' Day in the Philippines is a unique blend of religious reverence, cultural traditions, and family gatherings. It's a time for Filipinos to remember their departed loved ones and to strengthen the bonds of family and community.
What do people usually wear during All Saints’ Day?
In the Philippines, All Saints’ Day is a heartfelt occasion, and the choice of clothing is a reflection of its solemnity. When heading to Mass or religious services, people typically wear church-appropriate attire, covering their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
When visiting cemeteries to remember their loved ones, modesty, and somberness are vital considerations, and flashy or casual clothing is usually avoided.
That said, All Saints’ Day is also a time for family gatherings, where comfort and togetherness matter. Families may opt for more relaxed clothing during these heartfelt moments of sharing meals and fond memories at the cemetery.
This day also celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines. Many people take the opportunity to showcase their roots through their clothing choices.
At Lokal Coco, we cherish the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines in a playful manner. Take our “Raised on Rice” shirt, for instance.
This design warmly emphasizes how a shared staple like rice forms the foundation of many cultures, bringing us all together. This is the essence of cultural fusion fashion, something we hold dear at Lokal Coco.
And here’s the beauty of it – our designs aren’t limited to Filipinos alone. Our mission is to show the world that, in some way or another, we are all connected, giving life to our motto: “where all lokals somewhere.” It’s a celebration of unity and diversity that we’re proud to share.
The Importance of Remembering Those Who Have Passed On
Remembering those who have passed on holds profound importance for several reasons:
Honoring Their Legacy
It allows us to pay tribute to the lives, achievements, and contributions of our loved ones. Remembering their stories and accomplishments helps keep their legacies alive.
Emotional Healing
The process of remembrance can be therapeutic. It provides a means of coping with grief and finding solace in treasured memories, helping to heal emotional wounds.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
In many cultures and religions, remembering the deceased is a sacred practice that reaffirms core beliefs, rituals, and values.
Family and Community Bonds
It strengthens the bonds within families and communities. Commemorating loved ones together fosters unity and support, especially during challenging times.
Learning from the Past
Reflecting on the lives of those who have passed can provide valuable life lessons and inspire personal growth.
Sense of Belonging
It helps individuals feel connected to their roots and heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity with the past.
Perpetuating Traditions
Remembering and practicing traditions associated with the deceased ensures that these customs are passed down to future generations, preserving cultural and familial rituals.
Personal Growth
It encourages self-reflection and personal development by prompting individuals to consider the impact they want to have on the world.
Inspiration
The stories of those who have passed can inspire new generations to strive for greatness, advocate for change, and make the world a better place.
Celebrating Life
Remembering those who have passed can be a way to celebrate the gift of life itself and the joy of having shared meaningful moments with them.
In essence, the importance of remembering those who have passed on lies in preserving their memory, finding emotional healing, maintaining cultural and family bonds, and drawing inspiration from their lives to create a better future.
Other Facts and Cultural Highlights of All Saints’ Day in the Philippines
While many elements remain consistent across the nation for All Saint’s Day there are fascinating regional variations that add a unique flavor to the holiday.
Here are some additional facts that highlights All Saints’ Day in the Philippines:
Public Holiday
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in the Philippines. Many businesses and schools are closed to allow people to observe this significant day.
Flower Markets
Leading up to the holiday, flower markets become bustling centers of activity as people purchase bouquets and arrangements to decorate the graves of their loved ones.
Grave Clean-Up
Weeks before the holiday, families often engage in “Undas Cleanup” or “Kalakal,” where they clean, repaint, and repair the gravesites. This is a labor of love to ensure that the resting places of the departed are in their best condition.
Candle Lightings
Candles play a crucial role in All Saints’ Day observance. In the evening, cemeteries are adorned with the soft glow of thousands of candles, creating a serene and solemn atmosphere.
Traffic Jams
Major roads leading to cemeteries can experience heavy traffic jams, especially in urban areas, as people travel to visit graves and spend time with their families.
Food and Feasting
Families bring baskets of food and refreshments to cemeteries. They share meals and snacks as they gather, turning the occasion into a kind of family picnic.
Late-Night Visits
It’s customary for some people to visit cemeteries late at night or in the early morning hours to avoid the daytime heat and the crowds.
Cultural and Regional Variations
The way All Saints’ Day is observed can vary across different regions of the Philippines. Each area may have its unique customs and traditions associated with the holiday.
Religious Processions
In some places, particularly in rural communities, religious processions are organized to honor saints and deceased loved ones. Prayers and hymns often accompany these processions.
Commercialization
Businesses capitalize on the holiday, selling items such as candles, flowers, and food for families to bring to cemeteries. There’s also a market for grave decorations and even portable altars.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, All Saints’ Day in the Philippines is far more than a religious tradition; it’s a vibrant tapestry interwoven with history, culture, and heartfelt remembrance. The Filipino people beautifully meld their Catholic faith with indigenous practices, creating a unique celebration that unites families.
At Lokal Coco, we’re passionate about celebrating diverse cultures in all their splendor. If you’re curious to learn more about our brands’s origin, be sure to check out our story page.
Also, feel free to explore our collections: Heritage Threads and Lokal Coco Signature Threads. Both were made with the goal of paying tribute to embracing our roots with style and authenticity.
