PROJECT OUTPUT B
(The group of II-Visorro was assigned to work on traditions observed during All Saints' and All Souls' Day.)
FILIPINOS REMEMBER THEIR DEAD
November 1 and 2 are special dates for all Filipinos. These are the days intended for remembering the dead. November 1 is All Saints' Day, which is always declared as a legal national holiday and November 2 is All Souls' Day which is sometimes declared a non working special holiday. On these days, Filipinos flock to the cemeteries bringing flowers, candles and food to honor their dead.
Filipinos bring flowers and candles for the departed.
Days before the dates, the young people of the household under the supervision of an elder clean the graveyards, repaint niches to give it a fresh look and weed all overgrown grasses that have somehow overtaken the tombs. On the two special dates, no less than the President of the Philippines declare them as holidays to enable Filipinos to go home to their hometowns to pay respects for the dead. Catholic priests say masses on cemeteries just for this occasion and sprinkle holy water on each grave.
Cleaning niches by young people is a typical sight even days before All Saints' Day.
From early morning till late in the evening, cemeteries are crowded with people. Some bringing tables and chairs with them anticipating a long stay at the cemetery. The table is laden with food for the living. A separate tray of food is offered on top of the niches for the dead. Candles are lit endlessly. The bringing of food to the cemetery is influenced by the Chinese culture. It is believed that the spirits of the departed also eat with the living. Although the days are observed with reverence, the atmosphere is festive because it is also an event for reunions of the living.
Fruits, cakes and other dishes are placed on top of niches as offerings.