Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8)— Devotees can keep and follow some beliefs related to Black Saturday, but should let go of other unhelpful rituals, according to a church official.
“May mga na-assimilate na burial practices at tsaka mga traditions [sa Sabado de Gloria],” Fr. Earl Valdez, spokesperson of the Quiapo Church, said in an interview. “On one hand may mga nakakatulong naman sa debosyon katulad nito na tahimik lang ang simbahan. Mayroon ding mga hindi nakakatulong katulad nga noong sabi nga nila, dahil nilalamayan natin ang Panginoon e bawal maligo, bawal mag-ingay,” he added. [Translation: Burial practices and traditions were assimilated in commemorating Black Saturday. Some are helpful, like now that the church is quiet. But there are some that are not, such as the saying that people should not take a bath or make loud noises because we are mourning the death of the Lord.] Black Saturday, or Sabado de Gloria, is commemorated by Catholics as the day when Jesus Christ was laid in His tomb after death by crucifixion. This day is the time of the “in-between,” or waiting that the resurrection of Jesus will eventually come, University of the Philippines Diliman anthropologist Dr. Hector Guazon explained.
Some of the faithful still believe in superstitions
Some Filipinos, however, still believe in superstitions or practices associated with Black Saturday.
Lori Cepe, who traveled from Quezon province to Quiapo in Manila, said she always finds time to embark on the journey as part of her devotion. She also takes with her some practices passed down from generations. Ang pagkaalam ko kasi sa ninuno namin bawal ng pumunta kung saan-saan, kasiyahan, bawal pumunta ng mga outing,” Cepe said. [Translation: From what I know from our elders, we should not be wandering about, having celebrations, or joining outings.] Another churchgoer, Aurora Rivera, also shared some traditions she has diligently followed during the Lenten season. Dapat tahimik daw, huwag kakain ng mga pork, meat, dapat fish tsaka vegetables. Fasting kung pwede pang-alis lang ng kasalanan kahit slight lang,” Aurora said. [Translation: They said we should keep quiet, must not eat pork, meat, only fish and vegetables. Fast, if possible, for the cleansing of sin, even if just a little.] Guazon, citing anthropology studies, explained that there are still “ritual remnants” in people even if they are engaged in other activities during Lent. Meanwhile, as more people take advantage of the long Holy Week break to go on vacation, Fr. Valdez said Catholics can still practice their faith anywhere, including internal observance for the Easter Vigil.
