Holy Week Traditions Are No Longer In

Being in a predominantly Catholic nation, the Filipino people have so many Holy Week traditions. But it seems, these are forgotten nowadays in lieu of what is modern and what is in style and what is exciting.

When I was small, I remember that we were not allowed to go out of the house, especially during noontime of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, as the old folks say that evil spirits are roaming around because God is dead.

Most people, especially the most devout ones, do not take a bath on Good Friday. I am not exactly sure why, but well, I believe that is sacrificial.

Then there is the via Crucis or Way of the Cross, where people trudge through great distances visiting pre-appointed sites with crosses to pray. There are also the going with the processions, watching Sinakulos, or doing penance, such as fasting, carrying crosses or whipping one's back. There is also the Visita Iglesia-or the going to different churches far and wide in order to pray.

But it seems, less and less people are doing that now. As far as I know, despite the flock of people still going to these usual Holy Week traditional activities, a different set can be found in the different beach resorts in the country. Boracay Island tops the list of the favorite site to visit during the Holy Week. And I cannot say for sure that people here are contemplating because of the Holy Week. Aside from beaches, there are other resorts as well, with pools or waterfalls, which get loads of people during the Holy Days.

Then of course, there are the malls. I am not sure if people there are going shopping or just merely spending the time and avoiding the heat outside by going to the mall. I believe that a good majority of the people who flock to the malls in my country do not exactly go shopping but are just hanging out in the mall and leaving when the sun has gone down. But still, people go to the mall instead of staying home and maintaining an air of solemnity in the neighborhood. Well, I guess there is some truth in the previous statement because if people are away, their neighborhood becomes peaceful and quiet.

Additionally, I see people hanging out in neighborhood sari-sari stores drinking liquor. I believe they are meditating in a different spirit.

So I guess the Holy Week traditions have changed so much throughout the years. I am not sure if this is a good thing, as this is merely to point out differences and not to set the standard for right and wrong.

But hopefully, in the end, I pray that the essence of the Holy Week will not be forgotten and will not become merely an excuse to leave the office for a long weekend.