The English Garden

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Commemorating Flowers of May

 

Catholics are known for their celebration of feasts to show their high respect to their patron saint.  In the Philippines, the month of May is the busiest month because a lot of feasts fall on this month. Every Catholic Filipino gets busy preparing for the best feast of their town. So if you happen to visit the Philippines during the feast month of May, read this along and get excited to commemorate with them.

The history of Flowers of May began way back in 1865 in southern Luzon, popular from what they called as “Alay Kay Maria” or offering to Mary. People offer baskets full of flowers arranged in different ways, such as bouquets and garlands. While they give the flowers to Mary, they are accompanied with harmonious songs. This happens in the church.

Flores de Mayo, also known as Flowers of May, is a religious commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When it became a legal doctrine, it started to spread to other provinces of the Philippines, particularly in Southern Luzon. The people follow the rituals and the way it is commemorated. All throughout the month of May, a lot of people go to church, offering flowers to the Virgin Mary. There is rosary praying, singing and dancing, too. Lastly, everyone follows the hymnals that are distributed among the congregation before the church service.

Although Flowers of May is a religious celebration, you will not be bored because there are other grand events that will occur during this festive occasion. From a holy parade in the morning to a variety of events in the evening, you will be enthralled. In the nighttime, beauty pageants and band music will entertain you. Finally, do not forget to eat the best lechon (roasted pig) ever. Truly, you will have a full stomach and a fun-filled experience.

 

Highlight Events of Flores de Mayo:

Holy Rosary Prayer Event – A lot of people from other places travel just to join this big religious act in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a very holy event, where everyone who joins voluntarily sacrifices to complete the march even if the weather is bad. You will feel how Catholic Filipinos sweat for this ritual parade.

Santacruzan or the Festival of the Holy Cross – There will be residents who will be chosen to be the Reyna Elena and her son, Constantine the Great. Historically, Reyna Elena and her son, Constantine, were on their search for the wooden cross-used for Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.  You will observe that the gown of the Reyna Elena is very elegant and sophisticated, along with the blooming bouquet of flowers in her hand. 

Other activities – There are dance and song intermission performances in between the program. This is also the closing event of the Santacruzan; and everybody who joins the program will then proceed to mass eating and drinking. 

 

Recently, provinces all over the Philippines happily celebrate Flores de Mayo. This is one of the traditional occasions in the Philippines that makes all Filipino citizens celebrate together.

 

The English Garden

1789 Kirby Parkway, Ste. 6
Memphis, TN 38138
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