Halloween: Philippines

In the Philippines, Undas is observed during the first two days of November respectively celebrated as Todos los Santos (All Saint’s day) and Araw ng mga Patay (All Soul’s day) As per tradition, these days are announced as public holidays for Filipinos go home to their provinces and spend time with their families. But now that a lot of people celebrate USA’s trick or treating, Halloween in the Philippines is now a fusion of both western and local traditions.

VISTING OF CEMENTERIES

Technically, All Soul’s day should be observed by offering prayers to various Saints for the salvation for one’s deceased family member. But after centuries, visiting of cemeteries, an activity that should be observed on the second of November is more commonly done on the first. People would clean and repaint tombs prior to the holiday, and would offer flowers and light candles during Undas. Way before it was prohibited; some would build tents around their graves, and bring sing-a-along machines or sound systems for entertainment over a drink of beers.

COOKING OF KAKANIN

On these days, families, especially ones from the rural areas, would cook local delicacies such as suman, puto, ibos, and palitaw and other rice pastries. Some would offer these to their loved one’s graves or would put it in front of their relative’s pictures if they fail to visit the cemeteries.

COSTUME PARTIES

Let’s just say, this is how the young ones would celebrate Halloween. But way before the introduction of much favored western customs, children in rural areas would dress in white and hop from one house to another to ask for candies or moneys – sort of like Trick or Treat – or would steal eggs or livestock from their neighbors. Now, costume parties are very popular in the urban areas. There are even some families that would dress up every Halloween and dine in their silly costumes. Trick or Treat is often celebrated in shopping areas where children are donned in their best suits and would visit shops for treats.

Families observe Undas in their own ways but surely it is one of the few chances for those who are at work to go home and be with their families – dead or alive. Filipinos may celebrate it in a way that’s far different than how it was before but surely, the essence of the holiday is still alive.

PHOTO CREDITS (L-R) myquezon, forgetfulghee, blogniako