Hey there! 😌
Now that we’ve celebrated Halloween, western style, it’s time for Undas. As November dawns, we gear up for one of our most significant cultural observances: Undas. This period, encompassing All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2, is dedicated to honoring and remembering our deceased loved ones. 🥰 Unlike the commercialized Halloween, Undas holds deep-rooted traditions that blend Catholic influences with local customs, creating a heartfelt celebration of life and death. 😊
As you know, the observance of Undas doesn’t just begin on November 1; preparations start as early as a week prior. We flock to cemeteries, cleaning and beautifying the graves of our loved ones.💞 Fresh paint, trimmed grass, and colorful flowers adorn the resting places, transforming somber settings into vibrant spaces filled with love and remembrance.💐This pre-celebration cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics; it symbolizes the care and respect we have for those who have passed on.
As the days progress, many of us return to our hometowns, creating a bustling travel atmosphere. Airports, buses, and ships are packed with people eager to reunite with family and honor our ancestors. ✈️🚗🚢 On October 31, the travel peak hits, with many taking the day off work to secure those last-minute trips back home.
November 1, known as All Saints' Day, is a time when cemeteries overflow with visitors. It becomes a lively gathering, a chance for families to reconnect and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost. 👨👩👧👦 But no, oh no, it is not a quiet, solemn affair, Undas is quite the opposite. It’s a reunion of sorts, with families setting up tents, bringing food, and sharing stories. ⛺ The atmosphere buzzes with laughter and music, with radios playing familiar tunes and children playing games amidst the graves, some even busting out that karaoke and sing with the departed loved ones. 👻🎤
Food plays a significant role in our celebration. We prepare baskets overflowing with delicacies, from traditional kakanin to our favorite dishes (*ehem* fried chicken 🍗). A unique tradition involves placing small portions of food on the graves, rooted in the belief of offering sustenance to the departed. Vendors line the pathways, selling candles, flowers, and snacks, ensuring that everyone has what they need to honor their loved ones. 🥰
The following day, November 2, is All Souls' Day, when many of us prefer a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. Those who wish to avoid the crowds of the previous day still pay their respects, but in a more subdued manner. It’s a day for quiet reflection and prayer, where we remember our loved ones in stillness rather than celebration. 🧘♀️
Undas is more than just a remembrance of the dead; it’s a celebration of family, heritage, and life itself. The intertwining of joy and sorrow reflects our Filipino spirit, recognizing that while death is a natural part of life, we can live, love and laugh despite it. 😊 For many of us, Undas evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection, as we recount stories from years past and honor traditions handed down through generations, our loved ones may be gone, but their spirits live on in our hearts and memories.
To enhance and be present these moments of reflection and connection, don’t forget to bring you magical purple bottle for those sudden aches and pains. 💜 Whether it’s the calming scent of 🟡Oleia Frankincense Oil🟡 to soothe your spirit during quiet moments of remembrance or the invigorating aroma of 🍊Oleia Tangerine Oil🍊 to give you that energy boost as dawn turns to dusk.
In this unique blend of solemnity and festivity, Undas reminds us that love transcends even death, creating a beautiful legacy that continues through the generations. So, as we’re in the thick of remembrance, let's embrace the spirit of Undas, cherishing our loved ones and celebrating life in all its forms. ❤️
Show me your bottle and I’ll show you mine? 'Til next time! 🙋♀️
xo, L
