LIB'S LABYRINTH: An Ilocano Funeral

Monday, November 4, 2013

An Ilocano Funeral

MY AUNT'S FUNERAL LAST NOVEMBER REMINDS ME OF MY CHILDHOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES. Growing up, I don't have photos taken of any birthday parties except me standing with my mother beside the coffin of a dead relative. That was the big event. Born and raised in the city, it seemed then that I'd only visit the Ilocos province north of Manila every school vacation in the summer and when someone died. Burial is traditional and did not change much. Depending on the circumstances, the wake could be as long as 3 to 10 days especially when the bereaved family is waiting for a close relative, a son or daughter, mother or father, uncle or aunt living from abroad. The other way around, I must say I was a bit shocked when I had a relative in California whose mother's coffin was resting in the living room for about a month waiting for a relative to arrive from the Philippines!

Great nieces and nephew lighting a candle

At the wake, friends of the family spend time praying, chatting and playing card games

Others help in cooking the funeral feasts for the entire barrio

Those who are not Ilocanos may be wondering what are these -- these are food offering of suman and patopat (made of boiled rice). The Chinese have the same thing (I don't remember what kind of food) with their dead.

Morning is breaking and time to say the last goodbye

Last glimpse

Family and friends walk for about a mile to the church and cemetery

Cemetery tombs are above ground just like those in New Orleans or Buenos Aires. So as a child of 12 I did not know the meaning of 6 feet under and pushing daisies