Angeline M.

Sumaoy CBA-05

Write at least 7-10 (each) different beliefs/practices/traditions among Filipinos during:

1. Death/Burial

 Wake Period
Typically preceding a Filipino funeral is a wake period that lasts anywhere from three to seven
days. This way, family members who live far away have time to arrive. The immediate family
members don’t usually work during the wake period. The deceased is generally displayed at
home in a casket during the wake period. Decorations such as flowers, lights, mementos, and a
registry book may surround the casket.

 Filipino Funeral Service

On the day of a Filipino funeral, a hearse takes the casket to the church in a  funeral procession.
After the funeral service and mass are concluded, a hearse takes the casket to the cemetery for
the burial. For nine days after the burial, also known as a novena, mourners say prayers such as
the rosary. After novena, the family gathers for a funeral meal to celebrate the deceased’s life.
The mourning period typically lasts at least six weeks after the deceased’s death. Mourners
often wear a black pin or black clothing to show they’re in mourning.

 The coffin should be built to fit the exact measurements of the deceased or another
family member could die.
 Don’t let your tears fall on the coffin or the deceased will have a difficult time journeying
to the afterlife. 
 Don’t sweep or clean or you could encounter more death in the family.
 Pallbearers carry the coffin out of the house, church, or parlor head first to prevent the
soul from coming back.
 Family members spit on soil and throw it at the coffin to bury any evil left behind and to
lessen their grief. 
 Local friends and family don’t go home after the funeral to prevent the deceased’s spirit
from following them.

2. Weddings

 Lighting of candles & Unity Candle 

Sponsors or parents of the wedding couple will light these candles, as is typical in Catholic
ceremonies. Some weddings will add a Unity Candle that is lit with the bride and groom’s
candles to signify the unison of the families and the presence of God guiding the couple into
their new life.
  Traditional Filipino wedding attire
 Filipino Groom Attire | Barong Tagalog
More commonly known as the Barong, is a traditional Filipino shirt that is expected to be worn
by the male family members at formal events. Barongs are commonly lightweight, embroidered
along the front in a U-shape pattern and often handmade. The Barong is casually worn
untucked and over an undershirt.

 Filipino Wedding Dress | The Filipiniana

A two-piece dress with enormous butterfly sleeves and made with fine quality fabrics,
impeccable embroidery, and vibrant colors. Modern Filipino wedding dresses have evolved over
time into the elegant white gowns you often see, but with a slight resemblance to the
Filipiniana. A majority of contemporary Filipino brides choose white gowns with elaborate
embroidery and smaller butterfly sleeves.
 Filipino wedding reception Traditions

 Filipino Food
What is a Filipino wedding without Filipino food? Although there is no set menu for Filipino
weddings, selecting a Filipino caterer would be a treat for wedding guests. Lechon, Longganisa,
and Kaldereta are just a few options for a tasty dinner.

 Filipino Money Dance

The Money Dance is also known as The Dollar Dance or The Apron Dance. No matter what you
choose to call it, this tradition is a fun one that many cultures choose to include during
their reception. The DJ will ask the men and women to line up in separate lines, grab a pin and
wait their turn to dance with the bride and/or groom. The money received during the dances is
perceived as a sign of good fortune, while also financial assistance as they begin their journey
as husband and wife.

 Filipino Folk Dances

The rich Filipino heritage includes a unique collection of classic dances that pay tribute to
Filipino history. It is common to include these traditional dance performances during dinner or
at some point throughout the reception. Some of the folk dances include The Itik-Itik, The
Sayaw sa Bangko and The Pantomina.

 Cord 
 The wedding cord, or Yugal, is typically a knotted, infinity-shaped cord that is presented by a
sponsor and draped over the couple, to represent their bond. It can be made of silk, beads,
flowers, or coins.
3. All Soul's Day/All Saint's day
 November 2nd is All Souls’ Day in the Philippines and is a day to pay respects to the
dead. All Souls’ Day is different from All Saints’ Day on November 1st, which pays tribute
to saints. During this time, family members clean and decorate their loved ones’
gravesites. Some families may also visit the graves on October 31st or November 1st.
They may say prayers and leave candles, flowers, food, or other significant items by the
gravesites to honor the deceased.
 Relatives Bring Food to The Cemetery. On November 2 (All Souls’ Day) some barrio folks
bring with them various food and delicacies to the cemetery. They place these over the
graves of their dead ones. Some naughty boys make a mockery of this practice by
stealing this food although in most instances it is not eaten.
 Young Men Go from House to House to Serenade. After the prayers for the dead on All
Saint’s Day, everyone takes turns at the table to eat a hearty supper. Story-telling and
merry-making follow until late into the night. Some young boys go from house to house
to serenade and take part in the kalag-kalag (from the root word kalag meaning soul).
No matter how poor the family is, there is always a preparation for this evening. In some
parts of Bohol, some naughty boys place some impediments or barriers on the road or
trails to delay travelers. Because of this, it is unwise to travel on this night.
 On All Souls’ Day Food Offered to The Dead on The Altar; Souls Partake of Food and Join
Prayers. On All Souls’ Day, some people offer food at the altar because they believe that
the souls would partake of them.
 Serving Food to Visitors Means Serving Food to Souls of Dead. On All Souls’ Day serve
food to visitors because this is just like serving the souls of the dead. 
 On All Saints Day Souls of Dead Also Eat. On All Saint’s Day the old folks believe that the
souls of the dead also eat. This is why the Chinese take food for the souls of their dead
relatives inside the cemetery.
 Rain During All Souls Day Are Tears of The Dead. When it rains on All Souls Day, old folks
say the rain drops are tears of the dead. It usually rains on All Saints Day, and people
believe that the souls are crying.

4. Christmas/Ramadan

 Setting up a Belen
In most countries, nativity scenes – also known as the belen – are only set up in churches or
other religious spaces. But in the Philippines, it’s common to find it everywhere. In fact, every
Filipino household will have one set up during the festive season.

 Adorning buildings and posts with a parol

Everyone knows about Christmas lights, but the Philippines has the parol, a Christmas
ornament unique to us. Traditionally, parols come in the shape of a big circle with a star in the
middle, but you can also choose from various designs like stars and flowers. It can also be made
from different materials like plastic, wire, wood, or even recyclable materials. The parol was
originally made to hang on lamp posts to guide mass-goers to Simbang Gabi, but now they can
be found everywhere like outside houses, in malls, and offices.

 Attending Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi means “night mass”, which is basically what it is. Filipinos attend mass either late
at night or in the wee hours of the morning for all 9 days before Christmas. We try to complete
all 9 days, both as a religious practice and because of the belief that attending all 9 masses will
grant you a wish. To go with the season, churches are decorated to add a Christmas flair, and
vendors often sell local Christmas goods like bibingka and puto bumbong outside after the
mass.

 Caroling from house to house

For most countries, Christmas caroling means a whole production of good vocals, coordinated
outfits, instruments, and well-practiced Christmas tunes. For us, it’s become a humorous affair.
Filipino kids and adults alike go from house to house, starting from early December. Lyric books
and Christmas costumes are ditched for recycled instruments and made up lyrics. From the a-
brim-bram-brooms to the jinggom bells, caroling is a sure mark that Christmas is coming. 

 Attending Misa de Gallo on Christmas Eve

Regular Sunday masses follow a routine, but everything is extra special on Christmas. The
Christmas mass that most Filipinos attend, Misa de Gallo, differs from regular Sunday mass. It’s
a celebration that includes lighting candles, projector displays, and sometimes a re-enactment
of the story of how baby Jesus was born.Misa de Gallo is also the first mass after the 9 days
of Simbang Gabi. It is believed that if you go to all 9 days of Simbang Gabi, you can make a wish
during Misa de Gallo.

 Waking up for Noche Buena

Most people eat their Christmas dinner either on Christmas Eve or Christmas night, but Filipinos
often wake up at midnight to welcome Christmas day with Noche Buena, a lavish feast of
traditional Filipino Christmas dishes like lechon, queso de bola, hamon, spaghetti, and fruit
salad. Most Filipino families are also separated for most of the year, with kids off at college and
parents going overseas for work. The mundane act of preparing Noche Buena is also something
we look forward to, because it’s a time to prep meals and cook together as a whole family.

 Manito-Manita
Exchanging gifts the straightforward way is boring, so we put a Filipino twist on it. Not only do
you have to find the perfect present for your manita or manito, you also have to describe them,
have everyone guess who it is, and sing the classic I Love My Manita/Manito Yes, I Do song
before giving your gift. It sounds like a lot of work, but ‘tis the season of giving, and it’s a joy to
see how happy everyone gets from all their gifts. 
5. Holy week

 Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. During this day of the Holy Week in the
Philippines, people flock to church with palm fronds or palaspas to be waved upon the
priest’s entry to the church. It’s like a reenactment of Jesus and His disciples’ entrance
to Jerusalem, where people welcome them by waving large palm leaves. During the
mass, the carefully styled palm leaves are blessed by the priest. People usually place it
outside their doors after believing it will prevent evil from entering their houses.
 Fasting and abstinence. Fasting is done to understand the suffering and the sacrifices
Jesus did for mankind. As a sign of penitence, on Ash Wednesday and every Friday
throughout the Lenten Season, Catholics are required to avoid meat and, if possible,
reduce mealtime to once a day. Young children and the sick are exempted of this
practice, though. Nowadays, some devout Catholics volunteer to give up some of their
“guilty pleasures” like smoking, gambling, or even their favorite food as a sign of
penance.
 Pabasa is a ritual that includes chanting or singing instead of just reading the words
of Pasyon, a book that recounts the life of Jesus, from birth until His death and
resurrection. Participants of the ritual are grouped into two. Each group sings the lines
or verse by turn, sometimes in a cappella, but lately, it is accompanied by guitars to
make the ritual lively and appealing to the younger generation.
 Visita Iglesia is another tradition during Holy Week in the Philippines, usually on Holy
Thursday or Good Friday, where Catholics visit at least seven churches and recite the
Station of the Cross, though some churchgoers prefer to pray silently on their own.
 Stations of the Cross. Also called Way of the Cross or Via Crucis, Stations of the Cross is a
religious tradition among Catholics, where they pray and meditate in front of each of
Jesus Christ’s fourteen images depicting the events of His crucifixion until His
resurrection.
 Senakulo is a play that tells the story of life, passion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The dramatization is oftentimes held in the mountain area within the town, sometimes
just within the church. In some parts of the country, the play is done in the streets
where interested tourists could watch. There’s also another form of Senakulo where
performers in costumes walk in the streets under the heat of the sun and hit themselves
to bleed with lashes as an act of contrition. It ends on Easter Sunday with the
reenactment of Jesus’s resurrection.
  Salubong is another ritual during Holy Week in the Philippines. It is usually done very
early in the morning on Easter Sunday, usually at 4 o’clock. It’s a reenactment of the first
meeting of Christ and Mary after His resurrection. The ritual starts with two processions:
one side is the group carrying the statue of Mary covered with a black veil as a sign of
mourning, and on the opposite side is the group carrying the image of Christ. The two
groups will eventually merge in the middle and then an angel, usually played by a young
girl (sometimes an image of an angel with a hook in its hands is used), will remove the
veil to end Mary’s grieving. The merged group will then proceed to the church to
celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ending the Holy Week and the fasting.
Families usually celebrate Easter Sunday by preparing lavish food at home while some
eat out in restaurants.
6. New Year's Day

 Wear polka dots dress. For Filipinos, wearing anything round signifies prosperity. The
polka dots epitomize money and fortune.
 Jumping high when the clock strikes 12. Children are encouraged to jump as high as
they can when the clock hits 12 because old folks believe that it will help them grow
taller.
 Media Noche. New year’s celebration for the Filipinos is not complete without the old
Filipino custom, Media Noche. During New Year’s Eve, Filipino families, relatives and
friends gather for a lavish midnight feast that symbolizes their hopes for prosperity and
an abundant year ahead. This tradition is most likely inherited from the Spaniards, who
colonized the country more than 300 years.
 A variety of round-shaped fruits. For some it’s 12, 13 or 14 – but it doesn’t truly matter
as long as you have round fruits on the table. Filipinos believe that round is a symbol for
prosperity and fortune. This tradition was inherited from the Chinese. The round fruits
are often the centerpiece of the Media Noche. Fruits with thorns like pineapple,
jackfruit and durian are also avoided as the thorns symbolize problems or obstacles.
 Eat sticky rice to strengthen family bond. Filipinos are known to be family oriented with
very close family ties. They believe that eating food made from sticky rice like bibingka
(a type of baked rice cake), biko (sweet rice cake) and tikoy (also known as nian gao,
which is translated as Chinese new year's cake) will bind families together stronger. This
is also believed to deliver good fortune.
 Eat pancit (noodles) for long life and fortune.This is another influence from the Chinese.
Filipinos believe that eating pancit (long noodles) during new year will help bring luck
and it also represents good health and long life.
 Collect coins. Another popular practice especially among children is to fill up one’s
pockets with coins and shake the pockets at 12 midnight. This practice is believed to
bring good fortune. Some also scatter coins around their house – at every nook and
 corner, inside drawers, on tables and anywhere they believe will bring them more luck
and money.
7. Birthdays

 1st birthday. One of the most significant birthdays for any Filipino family is the first
birthday of their child. This one is more of a thank you to the parents rather than the
child’s actual first birthday. Gifts are usually meant for both the parent and the child:
baby clothes, feeding bottles, a larger crib, etc. Expect a lot of cheek pinching and
catching up between the parent and the godparents, uncles, and aunts.
 7th birthday. Once the parents are done with a child’s first, the next one they should
prepare for is the child’s 7th. 7th birthdays in the Philippines are a big deal: it marks the
year when the child can be held more accountable to his/her actions. It’s also the time
when youngsters develop their sense of right and wrong, as well as when they graduate
from pre-school to primary school. It’s a big leap, and most parents throw lavish
children’s parties for such an occasion.
 18th and 21st birthday. These are your standard “coming of age” birthdays: 18th for
girls and 21st for boys. A girl’s 18th birthday is referred to as a debut since it marks their
transition from adolescent to adulthood. For a debut, it includes sets of 18 “things”
which depend on the celebrant, although staples are 18 roses (a dance with select
males), 18 candles (messages from the celebrant’s girlfriends), and 18 treasures (gifts
from friends and family). A boy’s 21st birthday is also celebrated, albeit with a lot less
flair. Some parents choose to forgo these big celebrations in lieu of a vacation or a very
expensive gift: a car, a smartphone on a subscription plan, a condo (it happens, yes).
 Chicken Blood on Your Birthday. This is a tradition that was more commonly done in the
province. During someone’s birthday, the whole household is usually busy preparing a
big meal to celebrate. As tradition goes, the birthday celebrant will be anointed with
fresh chicken blood by an elder on their forehead. This is a way of blessing the person,
as well as ward off any bad luck. This is similar to the idea of a sacrifice for prosperity,
and the chicken is usually served along with the birthday meal.
 Serve pancit (noodles) at celebrations, especially birthdays. This ever-present dish
at Filipino gatherings is believed to represent long life. And while Filipinos today may
joke and laugh about actually believing that this noodle dish is served for long life, it
remains a staple at nearly every birthday feast.
 Big birthday celebration in the Philippines is like having a feast. Filipinos love to cook
and eat and love to entertain guests. Expect lechon (whole roasted pig) on the table
which everybody loves, and a lot more food, including pansit, lumpia and adobo. Not to
mention the drinking session that will follow after. There are also games and karaoke
singing.
 In the Philippines, birthdays are big events. It is highly celebrated within the family and
relatives and the circle of friends. Sometimes, weeks or even months before the big day,
everyone looks forward and prepares for the big celebration.  Of course, not every year
is a big celebration. It depends on the individual family’s financial capacity. If you have
the gold, celebrate like a star. But, if you just have a dime, settle for a simpler
celebration. Rich or poor, may it be a hotel celebration with a hundred guests or pansit
(noodles) celebration with the family, birthdays are hailed in the Philippines.