Beliefs and Superstitions Surrounding ALL SAINTS & ALL SOULS DAY in the Philippines

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are two important days in many Catholic countries as people remember Christian saints, martyrs and loved ones who have died. The Philippines is the world’s third largest Catholic country and it celebrates these feasts with great devotion as they remember in a very special way, saints who were not awarded their own feast days, as well as those family members who have died. Much of the country shuts down for these two days. Cemeteries all over the country come to life when the living visit their dead and people flock to their family plots as they use this holiday to hold a family reunion where groups of an extended family gather together. Some go to the cemetery for three straight days. Others would spend the night at their loved one’s mausoleum.

However, the Church also warned the superstitious beliefs and practices of many Catholic Christians that are not congruent in our Catholic teaching. Some of the superstitious are; Offering food at the altar or tomb. Dining together knows no bounds. Leaving food on the altar or tomb of the deceased is a common gesture amongst Filipino families during All Soul’s Day. It is believed that it is through this act that the soul of the dead remains well-fed in their journey to the afterlife. Then, breaking a Plate or rosary in the casket. When a family member dies and another one follows, the best way to break the cycle is to break a plate. It is believed that this act would prevent any more deaths in the household. In some cases, close friends and family members of the deceased also cuts the rosary that the latter holds in his or her casket. As well as, not sweeping the floor. Sweeping the floor when someone has just passed away is frowned upon in many Filipino households as this means they are banishing the spirit of the dead from the house. Some believe that this may also result in another family member’s death. These are just some of the superstitious beliefs that we need to consider and to avoid the bad practices during these holidays that are not taught in the Catholic Church.

In conclusion, whether you practice a devout life or not, you can take All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as a day of commemoration. You can remember saints who can intercede and help pray for you and your deceased loved ones. Take the national holidays to attend the Holy Mass, visit the cemetery and light candles in honor of family members and friends who have passed. (Sem. Aljon Mayol)