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Death is an inevitable part of life, and it is often accompanied by a myriad of
emotions and cultural traditions. In Filipino culture, death is not viewed as
the end of life but rather as a new beginning in the afterlife. As a result,
there are various objects and symbols associated with death and funerals in the
Filipino culture that are unique and different from other cultures. One of the
distinctive features of Filipino funerals is the practice of putting money in
different objects. The belief is that the spirits of the dead linger around for
some time before transitioning to the afterlife. Therefore, Filipinos place cash
in glasses, cookie jars, or boxes next to or in the casket. These items are
supposed to help the spirits of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
The symbols of water, air, soil, and fire are also associated with life after
death and play an essential role in Filipino death culture.
For Filipino Catholics, funerals involve 24-hour vigil and religious
ceremonies. The bodies of the deceased are escorted to the cemetery, and
mourners are expected to walk behind the casket. Mausoleums are also built
during the lifetime of the user, and the size of the structure indicates the
status of the builder. These mausoleums are meant to provide a permanent resting
place for the deceased and are a symbol of respect and honor.
In addition to these objects, certain clothing items hold significance in the
Filipino mourning tradition. A mourner's shirt or a black lapel pin on black
clothes is worn during the six weeks of mourning following the loss of a family
member. These clothing items serve as a symbol of remembrance of the deceased
person and their memory.
In conclusion, death is a significant event in the Filipino culture, and
there are various traditions and objects associated with it. The belief that
death is not the end of life but rather a new beginning in the afterlife shapes
the Filipino death culture. The objects and symbols associated with death in
Filipino culture are unique and different from other cultures, highlighting the
importance of cultural traditions and beliefs in understanding death and
mourning. |
