Celebrating Holy week, are you still carrying out the old traditions?

Was it celebrating the term or we are just remembering the sacrifices of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sake? Not everyone may have this tradition, but for us Catholics, mostly Filipinos this is usually declared as long holiday. Starting from maundy Thursday up to Eastern Sunday Back then when I was a kid, this was one of the yearly events that I was looking forward to. Maybe it was because all of us just stayed at home or either went to church. It feels like a peaceful day.

Then my father would make some oil out of coconut which we believe as medicines; it's not only typical coconut but there a lot of to consider. It could be my late grandma would hit us using manunggal Vine. Nope not to hurt us, but it's a protection from unseen entities she says. It should be seven times, from lower body up. LOL, of course it hurts but crying is not an option.

However, now that I am married and considering it was in another region where I am staying, it was no longer the same as I was used too. Old traditions are no longer carried out, only going to church. Those beliefs and practices were not carried out.

Since it was a holiday, we only opted to have a simple family bonding. The venue was in my brother-in -law's house as there was a spacious space for the kids to run around.

We have four energetic toddlers yet it was convenient as there was a gate. They could run till their heart's content. Or even race with the goats, lol. Yes, my brother in law had a lot of goats and beyond this cemented backyard was a green space.

Unfortunately, I took only a few shots as I didn't go down there. Eh, there are some dogs guarding .

Mahogany trees, malunggay, kamias, indian mangoes and lot of bananas.

Have you seen those roosters? I joked with his wife if we could slaughter one for Tinola. There are a lot of papayas anyway.

And he should not say NO to my baby whom his nephew, badly wanted! . He just laughed as sadly that belongs to the neighbor! Aw, I thought I could have some chicken soup.

Instead, we cooked some veggies ,papaya with saba flower and coconut milk. Then added fried fish, mangoes and ice cream for dessert. (Sugar is waiving, lol)

It was Holy Friday and eating meat was forbidden.

To us adults, it was not a problem as we love eating veggies. Especially when cooked right after it was harvested. The taste was more delicious that I wasn't able to resist. I mean control myself as I had eaten too much rice.

With the satisfied belly, fresh air, chit chats with the family, goodness still made me feel sleepy! Yet, I can't find a comfortable place to nap. So, we stayed there until four in the afternoon as it was too hot! Also, the kids feel asleep after getting tired from playing.

In the afternoon, the procession of saints started. Before, I used to join, walking with the devotees while offering a prayer and candles in our hands. However this time, I watched as it passed by. Moreover, I was afraid to walk as last night I felt pain in my abdomen like menstrual cramps. That made me feel nervous, maybe it was due to more than 3hours of travel back home. That gave me another sleepless night as I also felt pain in my hips. Goodness, getting up from the bed was a hard task. Yet, I had too due to frequent calls of nature!

Thankfully I am good now but made a mental note not to go home again. I will just wait for my maternity leave in May.

And here are some photos I took during the procession.

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All photos are mine otherwise stated
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