Kalag-Kalag

CEBU, Philippines - Filipinos are sentimental. They treasure every moment they can spend together with their loved ones. And even when some of these loved ones have departed this earthly life, the living gather to honor their memory.Now that All Saints' and All Souls' days are just a few days away, memorial parks and cemeteries once again take center stage as people prepare to celebrate the memory of the dead.

Despite busy schedules, traffic and the chaos in ports and bus stations, many would still choose to spend All Saints' and All Souls' days, known locally as "Kalag-kalag", with their families and relatives in places where their deceased relatives have been laid to rest. Candles and flowers sell like hotcakes during the days prior to kalag-kalag, also called "adlaw sa mga minatay" because these are the usual offerings to the dead.

It is said that the tradition of celebrating the memory of the dead was among the influences of the Spanish during their reign in the Philippines. The next wave of colonizers, the Americans, contributed the Halloween tradition to the local celebration.

Adlaw sa mga minatay activities often include visiting the resting places of the dearly departed, as well as offering candles, flowers and novenas or "pangadye" for the dead. Some people prepare the favorite food and drinks of the deceased and offer these at the altar or at the tombs. Those who could not visit the dead in the cemeteries light candles in their homes.

But one interesting thing to note about the celebration of kalag-kalag is that it has become a reunion of sorts for the living. Many hold picnics beside the tombs of their loved ones, while some even hold parties.

Some of these parties have resulted to fights that authorities had to control the party atmosphere by imposing a liquor ban, as well as a ban on bringing sound systems and karaokes in cemeteries. Sharp objects like knives and even eating utensils are also among the items not allowed inside cemeteries to prevent untoward incidents.

All Saints' and All Souls' days are a time for prayer and homage to the beloved deceased. It's also the time to strengthen family ties.  But while family gatherings should be merry, it is also important that the celebration is peaceful and safe. Remember, kalag-kalag is the tribute of the living to the dead. Saison Dampios, Jr   (FREEMAN)