6 things that make a Filipino Halloween unique
by Bianca Labraque
Halloween is definitely one of the events that Filipinos love to celebrate. Not only is it a time of commemorating the dead and sharing horror stories, but it’s also a time for many Filipino families to relax and bond together.
As some cultural Halloween traditions start a few days before November 1st, here are some of the commonly seen Pinoy traditions during the spooky season.
1. Filipinos don’t really do ‘trick-or-treat’
During Halloween, Filipinos don’t go around town dressed up in their monster costumes to ask for candies. Instead, they do Pangangaluluwa.
Pangangaluluwa is a practice wherein people drape themselves in white blankets to represent the souls of the dead. They knock on doors to sing and ask for abuloy in order to pay for masses dedicated to the dead.
Although this is a dying Halloween tradition in the Philippines, it’s still done in some provinces like Cavite and Nueva Ecija.
2. Pumpkin-carving is non-existent
While harvesting large pumpkins and carving faces on them is a common tradition in the West, particularly in America, it’s not a recurring tradition in the Philippines.
Making Jack-o’-Lanterns originated from Ireland and is actually made using turnips and potatoes, but when the Irish immigrants went to America, they discovered pumpkins and used it to create Jack-o’-Lanterns
Instead of putting pumpkin lanterns outside their houses, many Filipinos put lighted candles on their doorsteps. It is believed that the light would guide their loved ones into their homes and guide their souls in their journey to the afterlife.
3. Graveyards become a family reunion camp
It’s already a habit for Filipinos to gather during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day with their families and camp for hours at cemeteries.
The gathering becomes a family reunion, complete with all the snacks and nostalgic stories that they share with one another. Families usually stay for half a day in the cemetery, others even bring tents to stay for a whole day or spend the night.
4. Giving food to the departed souls of your loved ones
When offering food to the dead, Filipinos usually prepare a plate of food and place it on the altar or their tombstones. This tradition is called pag-aatang.
Some Filipino families share the same Hindu tradition of serving glutinous rice cakes specifically for the dead. Rice cakes or kakanin are popular offerings for the dead because in the past, there were only two harvests per year, and farmers harvested macaroyo and batolinew (glutinous rice) right before All Souls’ Day.
Since refrigerators weren’t a thing back in the day, using rice cakes as offerings was a safe bet because they do not spoil easily.
5. Families usually pray
As a Christian-Catholic-dominated country, Filipinos usually bring out their rosaries and have a session of prayer with their family. At times, they also attend masses in honoring their departed loved ones.
There are even some masses held in the cemeteries and are encouraged to give prayer requests to the priests for they believe that it will help their family members to pass through the purgatory.
6. TV shows have horror specials
Lastly, the Halloween season won’t be complete with the numerous special horror episodes. TV networks usually play their old horror Filipino movies and pause their usual show schedule.
Filipinos also watch the annual horror special of the popular show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho where Jessica Soho features haunted documentaries with the help of paranormal experts, including the famed paranormal investigator, Ed Caluag.
Experiencing Halloween in the Philippines is certainly not an extremely solemn occasion, but it is a lot of fun especially when it is celebrated with loved ones. Camping spots in cemeteries are set up and you will see a lot of families gathered to sing, dance, and eat. It’s almost like a feast — where people bring overflowing food and drinks, whilst showing honor and reverence to the departed souls of their families.
