The Philippines is deeply rooted in religion and is considered as the only Catholic country in Asia. In fact, more than 90% of the Filipinos living in the country are catholics. It should not come as a surprise since the country has been under the Spanish rule for more than three centuries. That is why if you want to know more about the culture and tradition of the country, it would be best to study about religion. To get you started, here are the most common catholic traditions that typical Catholic Filipinos do.
The Sign of the Cross
Perhaps the most popular tradition that defines catholicism from other religions not only in the Philippines but in other parts of the world as well is the sign of the cross. It is believed to be a good public witness and belief in Christ especially as to how he died on the cross to save us from sins. The sign of the cross is also a way to show a person’s belief in the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit) as well as serve as a part of a prayer. It is also believed to make demons go away from a person.
To do the sign of the cross, using your right hand you have to touch the thumb, the index as well as your middle finger together, you touch your forehead as you say “in the name of the Father”, touch your breastbone as you say “and the Son” and touch the left and right shoulder when you say “and the Holy Spirit”. Afterwards you kiss your thumb as a way of “Kissing the Cross”
The Rosary
The rosary is another common catholic symbol that you should be familiarized with. It is actually a meditation on the lives of Mary and Jesus. There are decades in the rosary or those set of 10 Ave beads in the circular part of the rosary representing mysteries in their lives. There are about five sets of mysteries including the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries among others.).
These are only two of the most common catholic symbols and traditions that are typically done and observed by the Catholics in the Philippines. Religion can be considered as a good reflection of a country’s deeply rooted culture. Know more about the Filipino culture by studying the Catholic religion, how it started in the country and how it evolved to what it is today.