In the Philippines, the celebration of Halloween is uniquely intertwined with the observance of Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days), a solemn yet deeply meaningful occasion for families to honor their departed loved ones. Held annually on November 1 and 2, Undas is a time for Filipinos to visit cemeteries, light candles, and offer prayers at the gravesites of their ancestors.
A Spiritual Journey to the Graves
During Undas, families gather to pay their respects, often spending the entire day or even the night in the cemetery. The atmosphere is both reflective and festive as loved ones reminisce about the memories they shared. Families set up makeshift altars adorned with flowers, candles, and photographs, creating a serene space for prayer and reflection.
Lighting candles symbolize the hope that the souls of the departed will find their way to eternal peace. Filipinos often bring food to share among family members and friends, turning the visit into a heartwarming reunion.
Culinary Delights of Undas
The culinary aspect of Undas is just as important as the remembrance itself. Traditional Filipino delicacies are a staple during this time, with dishes like sinukmani (sticky rice cake) or biko (sweet rice cake) often served alongside savory options such as pancit (noodles) or menudo (a hearty stew). These dishes are not only enjoyed during the cemetery visits but also bring families together in celebration of life and remembrance.
Homecoming and Family Bonds
For many Filipinos, Undas serves as an opportunity to return to their provinces and reconnect with family. Long-standing traditions encourage people to come home, fostering a sense of unity and strengthening familial bonds. The gathering of relatives provides a chance to share stories, celebrate life, and keep the memories of loved ones alive.
The enchanting history of Halloween: A journey through time
Halloween celebrated on October 31, has a rich history that traces back to ancient traditions and has evolved significantly over the years. The festivities, which first arrived in the United States in the 1840s, are rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to blur.
Ancient Roots and Origins
- Celtic Traditions: The Celts, who inhabited parts of present-day Ireland over 2,000 years ago, marked November 1 as their new year. This date was significant as it was believed that the world of the gods became visible to humans. Modern witches echo this belief, claiming that this season features a “thin veil between the dead and the living.”
- Etymology of “Halloween”: The term “Halloween” is derived from the Catholic Church, originating from “All Hallows Eve.” This evening precedes “All Hallows Day” or “All Saints Day,” observed on November 1 to honor saints.
- Samhain and Roman Influence: In the 1st century AD, the Samhain festival merged with Roman celebrations in October, including a day to honor Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees, symbolized by the apple. This connection may explain the tradition of bobbing for apples during Halloween.
Halloween Comes to America
The custom of Halloween was introduced to America by Irish immigrants in the 1840s, fleeing the devastating potato famine. During this time, popular pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates.
Traditions and Customs
- Trick-or-Treating: The practice of trick-or-treating is thought to have Irish roots, potentially stemming from a custom where people would go door-to-door collecting money or cakes. Another possibility is a tradition of begging for “soul cakes” as offerings for deceased relatives. Those who failed to provide treats could expect a practical joke in return.
- Jack-o’-Lanterns: The Jack-o’-lantern tradition is based on Irish folklore about a drunken man named Jack who tricked Satan. To escape the devil’s clutches, he carved a cross into a tree trunk to trap him. After making a deal for his soul, Jack was neither accepted into heaven nor hell, leading him to wander in darkness with only a turnip containing embers for light. The turnip was eventually replaced by the more abundant pumpkin in America.
Halloween Today
- In 2006, pumpkin-producing states in the U.S. yielded one billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois leading at 492 million pounds. California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania each contributed at least 100 million pounds, resulting in a total value of $101 million for pumpkins produced.
- The first official citywide Halloween celebration in the U.S. occurred in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1921.
- The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend approximately $5.07 billion on Halloween this year, with the average individual spending around $64.82, up from $59.06 the previous year.
As Halloween approaches, the traditions and celebrations continue to evolve, but the spirit of honoring the past remains strong. Whether it’s through spooky decorations, costume parties, or gatherings for trick-or-treating, Halloween brings communities together in celebration of the unknown and the fantastical.
Sources
- U.S. Wiccan group Circle Sanctuary
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- Reuters
- Halloween Magazine
- Halloween.com
- Census Bureau
- National Retail Federation
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
