In the Philippines, there are a lot of traditions and beliefs that have been preserved up until now. If you are living in the province, you are most probably aware of the most famous ones. I'll be sharing you top 3 holy week traditions that I was still able to witness this season.
Let me start by penitensya. Most provinces would still live up this tradition. One of those is my province, Tarlac. Since I was a child, I yearly witness people who do penitensya for repentance. It became lesser and lesser as I grew up but we are lucky to have witnessed the act in person.
Here's a photo I captured on Good Friday along Estipona road in Tarlac.
They walk kilometers under the heat of the sun to portray how Jesus was punished during His time.
The second tradition, or more like a Catholic order, is not eating pork.
This is still being widely practiced by most Filipinos because it serves as their fasting. Our family obeys this order and we try to eat seafood or veggies as much as possible.
Holy week means no pork.
The last tradition that I still remember and follow is to refrain from being wounded during Good Friday. This is more like an advice and not a requirement. My grandma used to tell me to take care during Good Fridays because the Lord is dead on that day. He cannot heal my wounds since he dies on Good Friday.
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Source: ehsdb.com
Do you have beliefs and traditions that are not common during this season? Comment down below!
Advanced Happy Easter, Steemians!
Wow that's so interesting. I can't get over "penitensya "; I grew up Catholic and there was "penance" which was the same idea of repentance, but no flogging involved. I know in ancient times, some in the Church practised self-flagellation, just like penitensya, but I had no idea it is still practised today by some. Do people see it as strange or extreme? I'm just curious.
I like your grandma's advice too for Good Friday.
So interesting, thank you!
Hi @lynncoyle1. Thanks for dropping by. There are only few who still practice this and new geberation would see it as extreme I guess. That includes me hehe
You are so welcome; it is a very interesting post.
That's what I was really wondering ;)
Indeed we have a lot of traditions and beliefs that should and should not be done during Holy Week
There are lots I haven't covered yet :D
Hihi! :) yes.. holy week in PH is the real deal.. those pigs look very happy that pork is off the menu for now..
Actually those pigs were for our Easter Sunday celebration. Lol
:P well, at least they got to live for a few days longer..