Cover From lighting up a candle to offering food at the altar, here are some Filipino traditions during All Soul's Day (Photo: Getty Images)
From lighting up a candle to offering food at the altar, here are some Filipino traditions during All Soul's Day (Photo: Getty Images)
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Which of these practices do you observe?
1. Forty-day prayer
Above Filipinos pray for their deceased loved ones at least 40 days (Photo: Pexels)
Filipinos pray for their deceased loved ones at least 40 days (Photo: Pexels)
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Many Filipinos believe that the soul of the dead wanders the Earth 40 days after his or her death. To protect their deceased loved ones and help them pass on, the family follows a custom called the 'pasiyam' or 'pagsisiyam' where they pray the novena for nine days and another one on the 40th day.
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2. Lighting candles for deceased loved ones
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Filipino families also honour the dead by lighting candles on All Soul's Day. It is said that the candle acts as an extension of prayers that get repeated over and over again as long as the light is on. Typically, one candle stands for one deceased family member.
3. Offering food at the altar or tomb
Above Filipinos pay respect for the dead by offering sumptuous meals on the altar or tomb every All Soul's Day
Filipinos pay respect for the dead by offering sumptuous meals on the altar or tomb every All Soul's Day
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Dining together knows no bounds. Leaving food on the altar or tomb of the deceased is a common gesture amongst Filipino families during All Soul's Day. It is believed that it is through this act that the soul of the dead remains well-fed in their journey to the after life.
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4. Not wearing red on funerals
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A funeral is not a party, this is why wearing red (or any bright colour for that matter) is a sign of disrespect. Most Filipinos would rather wear dresses or shirts with toned-down hues such as black, gray, and more.
5. Not going straight home from a wake
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In the Philippines, most people would hang out elsewhere instead of going home straight from a funeral. This practise, called 'pagpag,' is believed to ward off negative entities or lost souls that may have attached themselves to funeral attendees.
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6. Breaking a Plate or rosary in the casket
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When a family member dies and another one follows, the best way to break the cycle is to break a plate. It is believed that this act would prevent any more deaths in the household. In some cases, close friends and family members of the deceased also cuts the rosary that the latter holds in his or her casket.
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7. Not sweeping the floor
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Sweeping the floor when someone has just passed away is frowned upon in many Filipino households as this means they are banishing the spirit of the dead from the house. Some believe that this may also result in another family member's death.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
