That One Week in the Philippines I’ve Never Experienced | Holy Week Traditions

Summary

Jessica shares her insights into the Holy Week traditions in the Philippines, reflecting on her experiences as an outsider to Catholic practices. Having lived in the Philippines for over a decade, she compares Filipino religious observances with those in Korea, where Catholicism is less prominent. The video explores customs like the *Pabasa*, *Senakulo*, *Penitensya*, fasting, and superstitions, highlighting the deeply ingrained role of Catholicism in Filipino culture. Jessica also discusses her observations on how these traditions shape daily life and contrasts them with Korean customs during similar religious events.

Takeaways

• 😀 Holy Week in the Philippines is the most sacred week in the liturgical year, starting from Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday, followed by Easter Sunday.
• 😀 The Filipino term for Holy Week is 'Mahal na Araw,' which reflects the beauty of the language and the importance of the holiday in the country.
• 😀 Holy Week is considered one of the two most important religious events in the Philippines, alongside Christmas, due to the country's large Roman Catholic population.
• 😀 Jessica contrasts the religious landscape of the Philippines with Korea, noting that more than half of Koreans are non-religious, with a significant portion identifying as Christians or Buddhists.
• 😀 One of the traditions during Holy Week in the Philippines is 'Pabasa' or the non-stop chanting of religious texts, which is done in shifts.
• 😀 'Senakulo' is a street reenactment of the Last Supper and Jesus’ suffering, often performed by Filipinos in costumes, reflecting a deep cultural and religious practice.
• 😀 'Penitensya' refers to the practice of self-punishment, where some Filipinos whip themselves to emulate Christ's suffering during Holy Week.
• 😀 Fasting and abstinence are common during Holy Week, with Catholics refraining from certain foods or activities as a form of penance, contrasting with the more secular practice of fasting in Korea.
• 😀 Visita Iglesia is a popular tradition where Catholics visit seven churches during Holy Week to pray and reflect, a practice that highlights the strong role of religion in Filipino society.
• 😀 Jessica discusses various Holy Week superstitions in the Philippines, such as avoiding noise, not bathing after 3 PM on Good Friday, and covering mirrors to ward off evil spirits, highlighting the blend of religious and cultural beliefs.

Q & A

What is Holy Week and when does it occur in the Philippines?

Holy Week is the most sacred week in the liturgical year for Christians, starting on Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday, followed by Easter Sunday. In the Philippines, Holy Week is observed from April 2nd to April 8th, and it is considered one of the most important religious events in the country.

What is the significance of Holy Week in the Philippines?

Holy Week holds significant religious importance in the Philippines, being the second most important religious event after Christmas. This is because the majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, and the week is devoted to commemorating the Passion of Christ.

Why does Jessica feel unfamiliar with the traditions of Holy Week despite living in the Philippines for over 10 years?

Jessica feels unfamiliar with Holy Week traditions in the Philippines because she spent most of her childhood summers in Korea, where she visited during the Holy Week period. Additionally, she comes from a non-Christian background, which made the Catholic customs in the Philippines new to her.

What is 'Pabasa' or 'Payason,' and when does it occur?

Pabasa (also called Payason) is a tradition where the chanting of the Passion of Christ is done in a continuous manner, usually from Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday. This involves chanters working in shifts to read or sing the Passion narrative, a practice commonly observed in Filipino communities during Holy Week.

What is 'Senakulo,' and how is it celebrated in the Philippines?

Senakulo is a traditional Filipino play that reenacts the Passion of Christ. It typically involves a live performance, where actors dress up in costumes and perform scenes depicting the Last Supper, the trial of Jesus, his crucifixion, and his death. This tradition is often held in public spaces, which is notable because such religious performances are uncommon in Korea.

What is the practice of self-flagellation (Penitensya) during Holy Week in the Philippines?

Self-flagellation, or 'Penitensya,' is a Filipino tradition where individuals whip themselves with a bamboo or leather whip as an act of self-discipline. The purpose is to atone for sins and reflect on the suffering of Jesus Christ. The whips often have hooks that can tear the skin, making it a physically intense form of penance.

How is fasting observed during Holy Week in the Philippines?

Fasting during Holy Week, particularly on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, is a Catholic practice intended to recall the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. People abstain from meat or reduce food intake as an act of spiritual discipline. Fasting is commonly practiced in the Philippines, unlike in Korea, where fasting is more associated with dieting than religious observance.

What is 'Visita Iglesia' and why is it significant?

'Visita Iglesia' is the tradition of visiting seven churches during Holy Week. This practice involves people traveling to multiple churches to pray and reflect on the Passion of Christ. It emphasizes the central role of religion in Filipino life, particularly during the sacred observance of Holy Week.

What are some superstitions related to Holy Week in the Philippines?

Some Filipino superstitions during Holy Week include avoiding excessive noise, not bathing after 3 PM on Good Friday, and not looking at mirrors after 3 PM. It is believed that doing so can invite evil spirits or bad luck. Additionally, some people believe that wounds or injuries acquired during Holy Week will take longer to heal.

Why do people cover mirrors after 3 PM on Good Friday?

It is believed that staring into mirrors after 3 PM on Good Friday invites evil spirits. As a result, mirrors are often covered with black cloths to protect people from bad omens or supernatural forces. This practice is part of the superstitions associated with Holy Week in the Philippines.