Things that Filipinos avoid during Holy week
Since Holy week just got started, there are things that we Filipinos, keep on doing every Holy week and that's because it is part of our tradition.
The Holy Week this year is somewhat memorable because, after 2 years of having a quarantine, Filipinos may now freely go outdoor to perform activities related to this celebration. If you know or heard about Senakulo or Passion Play, I think it will be once again performed here in some regions in the Philippines. By the way, a Passion play is a type of play where actors and actresses act on the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. When I was young, I witnessed many times those people who were crucified on the cross, and for them, that was a sort of "panata" or a devotion. Today, I think some people in the province do it but here in the capital city, there is none.
Anyways, let me tell you today the things that people avoid during this season. As you know, the majority of people here in the Philippines are Roman Catholic so we believe in superstitious events and we really respect the death of Christ that is why we tend to do things to mourn his death and follow some beliefs.
Filipinos avoid eating meat and sweets
Some people started to eat only vegetables and fish or bread on holy Monday, after the Palm Sunday but based on what I observed here in the City, fast foods chains and Malls are still open but are to be closed on Maundy Thursday up to Black Saturday. because of that, we are obligated not to get our stomachs full. Any type of meat and sweets are not allowed to eat but, of course, if you are NOT part of the catholic religion, you may still do and eat ordinary foods you wanted.
No beers or alcoholic drinks
Beers and other liquors are not allowed during the celebration of Holy Week because there is no reason for us to drink these. First of all, we are mourning the death of Jesus Christ so we must join him in his sacrifice by reflecting and praying the whole week. Well, there is no law that tells us not to drink alcoholic beverages but as Christians, we respect our traditions.
Avoid making noises such as Karaoke and Videoke
Holy week is a time to reflect and pray so there is no reason to enjoy it. As Filipinos, we observe peace and silence to give way to those people who are praying at home. This is why Karaoke and Videoke's are also not allowed.
Traveling on Good Friday
There is a superstitious belief here in our country saying that it is a bad omen to travel when Jesus Christ is Death because it is believed that there will be no savior at that moment and bad spirits are in a strong presence. Also, there are some beliefs that it is bad luck if you get a wound on that day because it will take a long time before it heals.
Holy Week is the time we can reflect on the things that we are having right now. It is also the best time to meditate and worship the Lord through praying, watching Bible movies, and listening to some testimonials stories about God.
I hope you all guys take this time to see your loved ones and gather your family and do some prayers and novena. Sometimes, I am missing the part where my Lola Fe would gather all of us in the house, and together, we will be watching the bible stories and will do Novena. Now that we are all mature and working, the tradition we had will remain known, but this time, will not be practiced.
Anyways, thank you for stopping by my article for today guys! If you still haven't read my previous articles, here are these:
But if ever that you like fiction and something Horror stories, maybe you would like to read these:
All images above are from Unsplash. Lead image was edited by me.
PUBLISHED: APRIL 11, 2022 TIME: 4:30 PM PST ARTICLE:Â #86
You mentioned everything na dapt iwasan during this season. And minsan , some people forget about the true essense of this season. People should remember what God sacrificed for us during this time of season. Repent, and pray to God.