All Souls’ Day may be observed around the world, but in the Philippines, it holds a deeply personal and cultural significance. Known as Undas, which includes both All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, this time of year is more than just a holiday—it’s a powerful tradition rooted in faith, family, and remembrance.
Celebrated every November 2nd, Undas brings communities together to honor the memory of their departed loved ones.
In the Philippines, this tradition is a reflection of the strong belief in eternal life, a core tenet of the Christian faith. Families flock to cemeteries, often cleaning and decorating the graves of their loved ones with candles, flowers, and food offerings.
It’s a time not just for solemn reflection, but also for reunion—relatives and friends gather to reminisce, share stories, and keep alive the connection with those who have passed on.
For many, Undas is a blend of spiritual devotion and rich cultural tradition, passed down through generations. Whether it’s through prayers, novenas, or simply spending time at the graveside, this occasion emphasizes the deep-rooted belief that death is not the end, but a passage to eternal life.
In this way, All Souls’ Day in the Philippines becomes a meaningful and heartwarming tribute to both the living and the dead.
How Filipinos Celebrate All Souls’ Day
All Souls’ Day, observed on November 2nd, has its roots in the early Christian practice of praying for the deceased, with traditions dating back to the fourth century. Formalized by the Catholic Church in the 10th century, it focuses on praying for souls in purgatory.
The day follows All Saints’ Day (a holiday to honor and pray to saints) and recalls the faithful departed, asking for God’s mercy and eternal rest for those not yet in heaven.
All Souls’ Day is also a time for friends and family to gather, remember, and celebrate life, both here on earth and in the afterlife.
In the Philippines, the celebrations often spill over from All Saints’ Day on November 1st, making the entire period of Undas a meaningful holiday to celebrate, honor the memory of, and pray for those we have lost.
In a country where the All Souls’ Day traditions are as diverse as its people, the younger generation plays a vital role in keeping these customs alive.
By involving young people, the legacy of celebrating All Souls’ Day with family continues to flourish across generations.
Celebrate All Souls Day with the Younger Generation
In the Philippines, All Souls’ Day, known locally as Undas, is a time-honored tradition that goes beyond simple remembrance. It’s a heartfelt celebration where faith, family, and culture come together to honor loved ones who have passed away.
While the observance of All Souls’ Day is shared by many Christian communities worldwide, the way Filipinos celebrate it is uniquely their own—rich with rituals, deep spiritual meaning, and a sense of community that transcends generations.
his celebration is not limited to private family rituals—it extends into the public sphere, with entire communities participating in the occasion. Undas serves as a reminder that death does not sever the ties between family members and that the traditions and memories of those who came before us are worth preserving.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in this special holiday or keep these meaningful customs alive, here are some of the key ways Filipinos celebrate All Souls’ Day. Whether you’re preparing to honor your loved ones or are simply curious about this cherished tradition, these practices will give you a deeper understanding of the spirit behind Undas.
1. Praying for the Dead and the Souls in Purgatory
While All Souls’ Day started as a tradition of the Catholic Church, it has transcended faith and religious denominations in the Philippines.
For many, All Souls’ Dayis a time to pray for departed loved ones. Some people visit graves and other people create private altars at home.
You can involve children in this tradition by asking them to help decorate the altar with photos, prayer cards, candles, flowers, and small objects that belonged to the deceased.
It is also customary to leave food offerings at the grave or at altars, like sweet bread or savory snacks, as a symbol of sharing a meal with the souls of those who have died.
These altars serve as a visual reminder of the connection between the living and the dead, and young people can gain a deeper understanding of family history as they learn about the people depicted in the photographs.
Those of the faith say prayers for the souls in purgatory, asking God for eternal rest and mercy for those who have not yet made it to heaven.
All Souls’ Day, also known as the Feast of the Poor Souls, is a time for the faithful to offer prayers, asking that perpetual light shine upon the departed and bring them to heaven.
Teaching young people traditional prayers such as “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,” for example, and explaining why these prayers are said, reinforces the spiritual aspect of the occasion.
Parents and grandparents can guide younger people in saying these prayers for departed loved ones and for souls around the world.
The concepts of death, purgatory, church suffering, and the hope for eternal life can be tailored to different age groups, using simple terms to help younger people understand. Be open and speak to them like a friend or peer.
2. Visiting Cemeteries as a Family Tradition
One of the central practices of Undas is visiting cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of loved ones who have died.
Families come together, bringing candles, flowers, and sometimes snacks (like chichirya or sweet bread) to the resting places of their deceased relatives. Some even decorate grave markers.
Involving children in this All Souls’ Day activity teaches them the importance of honoring the dead and showing respect for those who have died.
It also provides a chance to explain the meaning behind the customs, such as lighting candles for the departed souls during your visit.
Making the visit more engaging for younger people can include tasks like helping to clean the grave, placing flowers, or lighting candles under adult supervision. Older kids might be asked to pray or share a story about the person being remembered.
3. Exploring Family History Together
All Souls’ Day is a time when people share stories about ancestors, famous Christian martyrs around the world, and saints who have influenced the faith.
Discussing the life and death of departed loved ones, family history, and cultural traditions can help young people appreciate the occasion and strengthen the memory of those who have died.
Encourage children to ask questions about family members who have died and listen to the stories shared by their elders. This can be an engaging way to make the occasion come alive, beyond the rituals of the faith.
To involve children more actively, consider creating a family tree together or compiling a scrapbook that includes photos and anecdotes about different family members they can share with a friend.
Such projects encourage younger generations to explore their roots and understand the lives and legacies of those who came before them.
4. Observing Religious Practices
Participating in the Holy Mass for the faithful departed is a significant part of All Souls’ Day for those in the Catholic faith. The November 2 Mass serves as a communal prayer for eternal rest and peace for the souls of the departed within the faith.
Bringing children to Mass can be an opportunity to explain the purpose of the service and the importance of praying for the dead. It can also be a good way to strengthen their faith in God and the saints.
Discuss concepts like eternal life, the significance of día de los muertos, and how these practices are observed worldwide.
Including young family members of faith in the Mass, whether by letting them light a candle for a deceased loved one or encouraging them to offer a prayer intention or prayer of intercession from saints, reminds them of their faith and the traditions associated with the feast day.
You can even develop their empathy by asking them to pray for each soul that needs it.
5. Teaching Through Creative Activities
For younger children, activities like making paper flowers, decorating candle holders, or crafting candy skulls can be a fun and educational way to connect with All Souls’ Day.
These crafts not only enhance understanding of the traditions but also make the holiday more accessible and enjoyable for kids.
While día de los muertos in Mexico is more famous for its colorful skulls and marigold decorations, the same elements can be adapted in the Philippines to enrich the local celebrations.
You could even ask them to draw pictures of loved ones who have passed, pray for them using a prayer they’ve composed, or decorate the family altar.
These activities provide a tangible way for kids to express their feelings about life, the soul, faith, hope, death, and remembrance.
6. Preparing Food
Food plays a significant role in All Souls’ Day, with families often leaving treats on graves or altars for the souls. Involving children in preparing traditional dishes, such as kakanin (rice cakes) or other Filipino sweets, can teach them about the culinary traditions associated with the holiday.
Sharing stories about the person for whom the meal is prepared can also allow them to honor their ancestors.
Finally, having a special family dinner on All Souls’ Day can be a time to gather, pray, and reflect on the lives of departed loved ones.
It reminds the young ones that death is part of life’s eternal journey and that the memories of those who have gone before us are kept alive through love, faith, and shared traditions.
All Souls’ Day is not just a holiday to honor departed loved ones; it’s also a way to preserve and pass down the rich traditions of faith and remembrance to future generations. The observance of Undas holds deep cultural and spiritual value, providing an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who have passed, while keeping their memory alive in our hearts and homes.
Whether you’re part of the Christian faith and believe in the mercy of God or simply appreciate the importance of honoring the dead, All Souls’ Day can be a universal moment of reflection and remembrance. It’s a chance for everyone, regardless of their beliefs, to pause, remember, and reconnect with the past.
This November, take time to involve the younger generation in these meaningful practices. Engage them in creating private altars for departed family members, saying prayers to ask for God’s guidance and protection, visiting cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, or simply gathering around to share stories about loved ones who have passed.
Through these small but significant acts, you help instill the importance of remembering where we came from and who shaped our lives.
In a world where traditions often get lost in the rush of modern life, the rituals of Undas stand as a steadfast reminder of our enduring connection to those who have gone before us. These customs allow us to reflect on the fragility and beauty of life while reinforcing the belief in eternal peace.
By passing on these rituals, we ensure that the values, faith, and customs associated with All Souls’ Day will continue to thrive, even in a constantly changing world.
Ultimately, Undas unites all souls—both the living and the dead—in a shared journey toward eternal peace. It strengthens the bonds of family and community, reminds us of the continuity of life, and affirms that love and memory never fade. In honoring the past, we build a future where the flame of tradition remains brightly lit for generations to come.
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