How Do The Filipinos Celebrate Easter
Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the Philippines, Easter is celebrated with great fervor and devotion, as it is a deeply religious country with a majority Catholic population. In this blog, we will explore the meaning of Easter in the Philippines and how it is celebrated.
Easter in the Philippines is known as “Pasko ng Pagkabuhay” or “Feast of the Resurrection.” It is a time of spiritual renewal and deep reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is known as “Semana Santa” or “Holy Week.” This is a time of intense religious observance, with many people attending church services and participating in various rituals and traditions.
One of the most significant events during Holy Week in the Philippines is the “Pabasa ng Pasyon.” This is a recitation of the “Pasyon,” which is a narrative of the life, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ. The “Pabasa” is usually held in a neighborhood or community, where people take turns reading or singing the “Pasyon” for 24 hours a day, from Maundy Thursday until Good Friday. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is still widely practiced today.
On Maundy Thursday, the Philippines commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. This is reenacted in some communities, where a priest or a church member washes the feet of selected individuals to symbolize humility and service. On Good Friday, Filipinos observe the “Siete Palabras” or “Seven Last Words.” This is a series of seven sermons, each one reflecting on one of the last words spoken by Jesus before his death.
On Black Saturday, a day of solemnity and mourning, Filipinos hold the “Salubong” or “Encounter.” This is a reenactment of the meeting of the risen Christ and his mother, Mary. A procession is held, with an image of the Virgin Mary being carried in one direction and an image of the risen Christ in another direction. They meet in the town plaza, where a dramatic tableau is staged, with the choir singing “Alleluia” and the “Salubong” hymn.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, Filipinos celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a day of great joy and thanksgiving, with many attending church services and participating in various Easter traditions. One such tradition is the “Easter Egg Hunt,” where children search for hidden eggs and other treats. Another is the “Easter Bunny,” where a person dressed in a bunny costume visits communities, giving out sweets and candies to children.
In conclusion, Easter in the Philippines is a time of deep religious devotion and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The traditions and rituals that are practiced during Holy Week are a testament to the strong faith and cultural heritage of the Filipino people. It is a time of spiritual renewal and celebration of new life, and it is a beautiful example of how a deeply held religious belief can bring a community together in shared meaning and purpose.