On Palm Sunday, Catholics follow a custom and bring palaspas to church. This commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Palm fronds were thrown by the locals as a mark of extreme respect. A donkey stands for humility, and palm leaves symbolise victory and peace.
During Mass, attendees lift their palaspas in the air to receive blessings from the priest. Homeowners take the blessed palm fronds and affix them to their doors, windowsills, and roofs. They think it will bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and clear the home of any negativity.
Filipino Catholics’ sacred vow, panata, during the Holy Week is to visit at least seven different churches on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday before midnight. The choice of seven or fourteen connotes the Seven Last Words or the Holy Wounds of Jesus. Some visits 14 churches to match the 14 Stations of the Cross. Their belief is their prayers will be granted if they complete the 14 stations.
Easter Sunday is celebrated with a salubong, the meeting of the Virgin Mary with Jesus who came back to life. Before dawn, a procession is held with two statues, Mary in a black veil and the risen Christ. When these images reach the stage in front of the church a young girl dressed in white is lowered to take away the black veil signifying an end to Mary’s sorrow and the resurrection of Jesus.
Site Title 