"Palina"

TRADITION. Cebuanos have an age-old practice of "drenching" themselves in smoke from burning leaves as they leave the cemetery after a visit. This practice is called "palina." Old Cebuanos never fail to go through this ritual for whatever reason.

ABROAD. This ancient Cebuano tradition has survived the test of time and has, in fact, been brought by them abroad where they have migrated, especially Hawaii and Guam. The practice appears so unusual it has been featured in a newspaper in Hawaii some years ago.