All Soul's Day: The Filipino Way

posted November 2, 2009 - 10:11pm

All Soul's Day: The Filipino Way

Part of the rich Filipino culture is the observance of the All Soul’s Day, in Tagalog ‘Araw ng mga Patay/Undas’ in Cebuano we call it ‘Kalag-Kalag’. Not just a simple observance but generally it is observed in an elaborate way.< span>

This occasion of the year is observed at least three or two weeks before this date. This is evident by commercial establishment’s prominent displays of candles of all sizes and shapes, pre-arranged synthetic flowers line the exits of the department stores. Black and orange colors rule the conspicuous areas of virtually anywhere in the malls and restos. Skeletons, skulls, scary figures of all sorts lined the entrances and exits of the malls.

For some years now, it has become a practice in DavaoCity that practically all malls hold ‘till midnight madness sale. During the heyday of the ‘Halloween Midnight Madness Sale’ traffic is crazy.

Public markets are also not exempted, flower stalls increase their prices, coconut graters lined the side roads, and famous ‘binignit’ ingredients are notably displayed.

This occasion also is a time for family reunions, relatives, siblings gather to pray for the soul of the dead. Being part of this Filipino equation, I too have some stories to tell. I went to DavaoMemorial Park this morning to pay also respect to our dearly departed. I took some pictures and sharing to you the essence of ornate celebration of All Soul’s Day in this side of town.

all souls day 003.jpg