Santillan Familia Traditions

In the Philippines, families pass on their traditions and beliefs from generations to generations. Our family is no exception. Though we are in the so-called Modern Age, the family traditions here in the Philippines are timeless. Seriously, there are a lot of must-do's and must-not-do's. But I think that clinging into these traditions are the very reasons why us, Filipinos, are forever consistent amidst civilization. Here are some of the traditions that my home, Santillan Familia, is living up to until now.

Dating

A man who had the courage to ask for a date had to pass several tests. First, he got the permission of the girl's parents to visit their daughter. Once he was permitted, his formal visit was in full attendance of the older members of the family who also participated in the conversation. The hardest test was how to convince the girl to say yes because the woman played hard to get. She kept putting off her answer. When the man finally succeeded, the girl was strictly chaperoned during their date so that he was not even able to whisper romantic words.

Marriage

Marriage is sacred to Filipinos. Parents train their sons and daughters in the proper choice of a mate. Both are reminded that if they marry, they had to get along well not just with one another but with their in-laws as well.

Before marriage, the boy's parents seek the approval of the girl's parents for MARRIAGE with their daughter. This is called "pamanhikan". The man's parents often take along someone whom they believe is highly respected by the girls parents. This was especially when they fear that the girl's parents would say no. The grandparents of the man also join the "pamanhikan". They first engage into discussions regarding the latest happenings and when the proper climate is established, the man's father states the purpose of their visit, which is to ask for the girl's hand in marriage. The girl's parents are not expected to agree immediately. They will first talk about the shortcomings of their daughter. If the future in-laws persist the parents of the bride give their consent. The details of their marriage are discussed and agreed upon during the next visit of the future parents-in-law.

The wedding reception is held in the bride's home. Members of the community volunteer to help bridegroom in one way or another by either contributing some money or by offering their services in the preparation of the wedding feats.

Catholic Celebrations and Practices

In spite of the diverse religious groups in the Philippines each with its particular practices; the Filipinos believe in only one God who is almighty and omnipotent. Religious practices show concern and love for one's neighbors. Among the Catholics, the Ten Commandment's set the standard of behavior. They keep images of their saints at home and every church has a patron saint.

Fiesta

Fiestas are held on the birthday of the patron saint celebrated with the holding of a novena, a nine-day devotion of masses followed by special prayers of praise to the patron saint. The plaza around t5he church is decorated with colorful buntings. On the ninth day which is the feast day of the saint, a high mass is celebrated by one or several priests. Suddenly the plaza is transformed into a mini-market where ready-made clothes, toys, fruits, and native delicacies are sold. A brass band plays after the mass and then makes a round of the immediate vivinity playing popular Filipino songs, marches and kundimans. This sets a happy, festive mood in the community with residents going on splurge entertaining relatives and friends from other towns.

The town fiesta is an event that the residents look forward to. Three or four months before the fiesta the family takes good care of a piglet and chickens earmarked for the fiesta. Of course, the fiesta is an occasion when friends and relatives can be together, enjoy each other's account of the past year's experiences and partake of the palatable dishes prepared for a day. Children living out-of-town make a special effort to come home and be with their parents, relatives, and friends for the fiesta.

The fiesta is a Filipino heritage that has been handed down from generation.

Celebrating Christmas

As soon as December sets in, everyone in the Philippines, young and old alike are busy preparing for the biggest religious activity on December 25. Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated with new colorful curtains, Christmas decorations and multicolored lights.Lanterns of different Christmas tree and a Belen are placed in the living rooms of the most homes.

The nine-day masses or Misa de Gallo, celebrated at dawn when the cock starts to crow begin on December. These masses are well-attended in spite of the fact that those who attend wake up as early as three o'clock in the morning. As one walks to the church, one will notice the streets lined with small stores selling puto, bibingka and puto bumbong.

The climax of the Christmas celebration is a midnight mass on Christmas eve, December 24. The family makes an effort to go this mass. On Christmas day children dressed in their best attires visit ninongs, ninangs, relatives and friends. They kiss the hands of the elders as a sign of respect. In return the elders give them money gifts or native delicacies. Christmas is for everyone and at no other time of the year is the family more complete. Even married children who are abroad make a special effort to be home in the Philippines for Christmas. 

Burial

The loss of a member of the a family was an occasion for bayanihan. Friends, relatives and neighbors came to condole with the bereaved family. Flowers, and food and money were offered as tokens of sympathy.

Before the burial, there was a "lamayan", a vigil attended by all who wished to come. People at the wake participated in some activities such as gambling, telling stories, or playing mental games, to keep them awake through the night.

For as long as the deceased was in state, sweeping the floor and taking a bath in the house were forbidden. The bereaved were also cautioned to keep their tears from dropping in the coffin.

The general practice was for the bereaved family to bury the deceased member within 24 hours after his death. Close relatives and friends accompany the corpse to church for the religious rites then the funeral procession headed by the band of musicians proceeds to the cemetery. 

Filipino Foods

The food of the Filipino is simple. Rice is the chief food. Together with rice, fish or meat and vegetables are eaten. The Filipino is fond of eating pork, chicken, corn, fruits, and vegetables. One of the more popular foods of the Filipino on special occasions is lechon, a whole pig roasted over charcoal fire. Adobo is another popular dish which almost every Filipino can cook. Eating is done with the hands and for outdoor meals, the banana leaves serve as plates. The Filipino cooks his food in clay pots over a clay stove (kalan) using wood to build a fire.

Manner of Dressing

The washerwoman would sort out the white from the colored ones. the plain from the printed, the cotton and satin from those made of fibers. Dirt was removed using a wooden palu-palo or by trampling upon the clothes laid out on smooth rocks. Round sabon intsik or Chinese soap and blue tina were essential washing materials.

After washing, some clothes were starched. The starch used was made from rice lugaw pressed with a wooden sandok or ladle form a cheesecloth duyan (hammock) tied to the clothes line at four points. below this was a wooden batya or basin to catch the starch. This was then gently patted on the barong tagalog and butterfly sleeves of the women's baro. The starched clothes were later stretched into shape and dried on the flat galvanized iron sheets.

Stains are removed from the clothes by dropping calamansi juice on the stained spots after which the clothes are bleached in the sunlight.

Starched clothes were sprinkled with water before pressing with a flat iron filled with glowing charcoal. 

Reference

http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-people/philippine-culture/culture-and-traditions/415-filipino-culture-customs-and-traditions