Macrine
and I dancing the Rigodon de Honor during the May Flower Ball and Dance
culminating the whole Month of May Celebration of Flores de Mayo in the
Philippines.
Today is May 1. It reminded me of an
article I wrote 4 years ago on the month of May in the Philippines. I am
reposting it case you have not read it!
"
Today
is the start of the May Flowers Festival or the Flores de Mayo Festival
in the Philippines. This Festival lasting for the whole month is in
honor of Mary, the Virgin Mother. This is celebrated in all the towns in
the Roman Catholic parish churches in the Philippines. However, the
celebration of this Festival that I will always remember are the
celebrations in my hometown in Iloilo when I was growing up and the one
in Marinduque a few years ago when my mother-in-law was the Hermana. The
Hermana was the over-all chairperson for the whole month of festivities
which included a daily offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary along
with the recitation of the Rosary. The month is culminated with a Parade
and Dance participated by the whole town. During the Gala Dance, the
Rigodon de Honor is danced by the prominent officials and matrons of the
town.
The Santacruzan refers to the pageant on the
last day of Flores de Mayo, held in honor of Reyna Elena and Constantine
finding the True Cross in Jerusalem.
The following
video reminds me of my childhood years in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo when My
late mother was also very active with our local parish church.
The Sagala
A Sagala is a religio-historical beauty pageant held in many cities,
towns, and even in small communities throughout the Philippines during
the month of May. One of the most colorful aspects of this festival, the
pageant depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother
of Constantine the Great. Many movie and television personalities
participate in the events and are featured in major sagala. This
festival was introduced by the Spaniards and has since become part of
Filipino traditions identified with youth, love, and romance. Prior to
the Santacruzan, a novena is held in honor of the Holy Cross.
The
procession itself commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Reyna
Elena and her son, the newly-converted emperor Constantine. After the
Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought back to Constantinople,
there was a joyful celebration for thanksgiving.
Reyna Elena
Reyna
Eléna (Queen Helena) - the last member of the procession, she
represents Helena of Constantinople who found the True Cross; this is
alluded to by her attribute, a small cross or crucifix that she carries
in her arms. This considerably prestigious role is usually awarded to
the most beautiful girl participating in the pageant. In some
communities, the identity of the woman who will portray the Reyna Eléna
is kept a secret until the day of the procession. Constantíno - the
escort of Reyna Eléna; traditionally a young boy representing the
Emperor Constantine.
The procession is accompanied by
the steady beat of the rondalla, playing and singing the Hail Mary
("Dios Te Salve"). The devotees walking with the procession hold lighted
candles in their hands and sing the prayer as they go along.
After
the procession, there is a pabítin that serves as a culminating
activity for all the children to enjoy. A Pabítin is a square trellis to
which goodies (candies, fruits, small trinkets, etc.) are tied with
strings. This trellis in turn is tied to a rope and is suspended on a
strong branch or pole. Children then gather under the trellis as the it
is slowly lowered. They then jump as high as they can to try to pick the
goodies while someone jerks it up and down repeatedly until all the
goodies are gone. It is customary for males attending the Santa Cruzan
wear the traditional Barong Tagalog and that the females wear any
Filipiniana-inspired dress. Pabitin is similar to the Mexican
celebration of the Pinata.
This year celebration of the
Flores de Mayo in the Philippines will probably be not as festive and
peaceful because of the election on May 13. I just hope there will be no
killings, murder and goons activities related to the election. But
realizing the history of the elections in the Philippines dominated by
family dynasties, vote buying, corrupt and greedy politicians, it will
be a miracle if no killings will occur this month. I am praying and
hoping for a peaceful election this year particularly in my second
home-the beautiful and scenic island of Marinduque ".
No comments:
Post a Comment