A Festive Family Gathering

I visited my parents again Sunday the 7^th, at the memorial park. I thought of seeing the caretaker of my parents plot for his allowance. The caretaker is on his early fifties who earn his living, taking care of the plots at the memorial park. I did not see him last 25^th of Oct, the last time I visited. Being a Sunday and a week after All Souls Day, the memorial park was full of visitors taking time off from household chores to visit their loved ones. Or I guess like me they did not have time to visit last 1^ST of Nov. I was at work then.

For some families who have cars either they visit early, prior to All Souls Day celebration to have a good parking slot. Or, visit after the occasion. For a fee, tents are provided by the memorial park with matching chairs and a table. The park was on festive mood that started early Sunday morning. As described to me by my parents caretaker. Since night vigils are no longer allowed by the memorial park after All Saints Day and All Souls day. The visiting family members stayed from early morning to late afternoon.  Packed lunch, water and juices were among those prepared for a day vigil.

Upon arriving at the park, a boy around I guess four years old was crouched with pout lips trying to blow a candle. His older sister was giggling as she tried to stop him. The boy probably thought the candle had to be blown like the candle on his birthday cake. The candles placed on the headstones or anywhere near the departed loved ones have to be left lighted.  Soon as extinguished, they have to be replaced until all the visiting family members decided to go home. Of course, beautiful floral arrangements are likewise laid on same places.

The Philippines is composed of several regions and ethnic groups that may differ, in honoring and showing love to departed loved ones. One thing sure is Filipinos attachment to their families, living or those in the after lives.  ♥