Philippine Holidays: All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Honoring the Departed in FIlipino Culture

In the Philippines, the celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is one of the most anticipated and meaningful traditions. Known collectively as Undas (or “Kalagkalag” in Cebuano¹), these holidays are observed on November 1 and 2 and provide Filipinos with the opportunity to commemorate their deceased loved ones, reconnect with family, and reflect on their cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Heritage and Spirit: Filipino Traditions and Practices on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

In Cebu, as in many parts of the country, these holidays are marked by a blend of Catholic customs and ancient Filipino traditions, creating a unique and culturally rich celebration.

The Origins and Significance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

The history of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is rooted in early Christian traditions, with influences from pre-Christian customs, particularly those from Roman and Celtic cultures. All Saints’ Day, originally celebrated on May 13², was moved to November 1 by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century to honor all saints and martyrs, both known and unknown.

This change was likely an attempt to Christianize pagan festivities, such as the Celtic festival of Samhain, which celebrated the deceased. The day was later established as a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church, meaning Catholics were expected to attend Mass in honor of the saints.

All Souls’ Day, meanwhile, was officially established in the 11th century by Saint Odilo of Cluny, who declared November 2 a day for the faithful to pray for all departed souls. Rooted in the belief that prayers could assist souls in purgatory, this day became dedicated to all deceased individuals who may still require prayers to reach heaven.

These two holidays collectively emphasize the Catholic teachings of the afterlife, the role of saints, and the concept of purgatory.

In the Philippines, these religious holidays evolved into a culturally distinct celebration known as Undas. The integration of Filipino customs—such as food offerings (“halad” in Cebuano), candle lighting (or “dagkot”), and grave-cleaning—reflects both Catholic and pre-Hispanic practices.

For Filipinos in general, Undas is more than a religious observance; it’s a time to honor ancestors, reconnect with family, and pay respects to loved ones who have passed on.

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Filipino Traditions During Undas

Filipinos observe several unique traditions during Undas, each designed to honor and remember their departed family members. These traditions, while heavily influenced by Catholic practices, are imbued with cultural symbolism and historical significance.

1. Visiting Cemeteries: One of the most notable practices during Undas is the visit to cemeteries. Families gather at the gravesites of their departed loved ones, bringing candles, flowers, and sometimes even food offerings. This gathering symbolizes a family reunion, where the living and the dead are united in spirit. Families often spend hours, sometimes the entire day, at the cemetery, sharing stories about their loved ones and praying together.
2. Lighting Candles: Candles play a central role in Undas observances. Lit candles symbolize prayers for the souls of the deceased, guiding them on their spiritual journey. In Filipino culture, the flickering light of a candle is believed to offer solace to the spirits and act as a beacon for them to find peace.
3. Offering Food: Food offerings are a significant part of Undas. Families prepare traditional Filipino dishes, often including rice cakes like biko or suman, and bring them to the gravesite or leave them at home altars. The food serves as both a tribute and a symbolic gesture to honor the deceased, acknowledging their presence in spirit. This practice also reflects pre-colonial Filipino customs, where offerings were made to appease spirits and seek their blessings.
4. Novena Prayers and Masses: Prayers and Masses are essential to Undas traditions. Many families hold novena prayers at home or attend church services, specifically praying for the souls of their loved ones. Some families even request special Masses to be offered for the deceased, emphasizing the Catholic teaching that prayers can aid souls in purgatory. These prayers are a spiritual act of love and remembrance, reinforcing the belief that the connection between the living and the dead continues beyond physical death.
5. Family Reunions: Undas is a time for family reunions, with relatives traveling from various locations to gather and honor their departed loved ones together. These reunions allow families to strengthen bonds, share memories, and preserve the legacies of their ancestors. For many Filipinos, Undas is as much about family unity as it is about honoring the dead, as it provides a time for storytelling and reflection on family heritage.
6. Tomb Maintenance and Decoration: In the days leading up to Undas, Filipino families clean and decorate graves with flowers and other tokens of respect. This act of preparation is both practical and symbolic, as it shows care and respect for the departed. It also provides a sense of pride and closure, with families transforming gravesites into spaces of beauty and honor.

Unique Practices: Burning Dried Leaves and Jumping Over Smoke

One of the unique practices observed during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (collectively known in the Philippines as Undas) is the gathering and burning of dried leaves around the graveyard. The smoke that rises from this burning is believed to hold spiritual significance, and it is common for people, especially children, to jump over the smoke. This tradition has both practical and cultural roots:

• Cleansing and Purification: Burning dried leaves is seen as a way to purify the graveyard area, creating a sacred space for both the living and the spirits of the dead. Smoke has long been considered a cleansing element in many cultures, and its use in Undas reflects an indigenous belief that the smoke can ward off negative energies.
• Jumping Over the Smoke: The act of jumping over the smoke is thought to have originated from animistic Filipino beliefs. In pre-colonial times, this action was seen as a way of leaving behind bad luck or negative influences that could cling to a person in such spiritually charged environments. It symbolizes protection and a fresh start, as individuals “cleanse” themselves by moving over the purifying smoke.

This practice is likely a pre-colonial Filipino custom, incorporated into Undas as an expression of the indigenous Filipino understanding of life, death, and the spirit world. Though not directly linked to Catholic teachings, it highlights the ways in which indigenous beliefs have persisted in Filipino culture, blending with Catholic observances to create unique and meaningful traditions.

The Importance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to Filipinos

Undas holds a profound importance for Filipinos across the nation. This holiday goes beyond religious observance and reflects the deeply held Filipino values of respect, gratitude, and family unity.

1. Strengthening Family Ties: For Filipinos, family is the foundation of society, and Undas serves as a time to reinforce these bonds. By coming together to honor the deceased, families strengthen their relationships with both the living and the dead. The gathering of relatives from different places fosters unity, enabling family members to reconnect and share memories.
2. Spiritual Significance: The prayers, Masses, and offerings made during Undas reflect the Catholic belief in the afterlife and the efficacy of prayer for the souls of the deceased. These rituals are a way to demonstrate their faith, helping to bring peace to their departed loved ones and a sense of closure to the living. Undas also provides a reminder of the Catholic teachings on life, death, and resurrection, reaffirming the Filipino belief in an afterlife.
3. Respect and Gratitude for Ancestors: Undas embodies the Filipino concept of utang na loob, or a deep sense of gratitude and respect for those who came before. By caring for graves, lighting candles, and offering food, Filipinos pay homage to their ancestors, recognizing their contributions and seeking their guidance. This respect for the departed reinforces a sense of cultural identity, with Filipinos honoring their heritage and acknowledging the roles their ancestors played in shaping their lives.
4. Cultural Identity: Undas reflects a blend of Catholic and pre-colonial Filipino beliefs, creating a distinct cultural observance unique to the Philippines. Practices like burning leaves and jumping over smoke highlight the persistence of indigenous customs within a modern, Catholic framework. For Christian Filipinos, these customs provide a sense of pride and connection to their heritage, preserving traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Undas is a rich and meaningful celebration for Filipinos, embodying a blend of religious and cultural practices that honor the dead and reinforce the bonds of family. Through practices like visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, offering food, and praying, Filipinos connect with their loved ones who have passed on, expressing both reverence and gratitude.

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Unique traditions, such as burning dried leaves and jumping over smoke, add a layer of cultural identity, showcasing the blending of Catholic and indigenous beliefs. In Cebu and across the Philippines, Undas stands as a testament to the enduring importance of family, faith, and cultural heritage in Filipino life.

As we honor the lives of saints on All Saints’ Day, and our dearly beloved who have passed away on All Souls’ Day, let’s keep the spirit of remembrance alive. How does your family celebrate this meaningful tradition? Share your personal story about Undas in the comments, and if this article resonated with you, spread the word by sharing this post with others. Let’s celebrate our heritage together!

1. The “Kalagkalag,” the Cebuano word referring to the annual All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations; The Freeman
2. Pope Boniface IV had previously consecrated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all martyrs, and celebrated the saints on May 13; All Saints Day | Catholic Answers Guide