A Prelude to Undas: Reinterpreting Halloween in the Filipino Context

A Prelude to Undas: Reinterpreting Halloween in the Filipino Context

By Lualhati Madlangawa-Guererro

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has deep historical roots in ancient Celtic culture, particularly in the Gaelic festival of Samhain. Historically, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter, a time when it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing for interaction with spirits (Monaghan, 2009). Traditionally, communities would honor the deceased with food offerings and communal rituals, recognizing the importance of ancestral connection. This time of year was believed to open a portal to the spirit world, allowing the dead to walk among the living.

But, as the tradition evolved, it blended with Christian influences, particularly All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, becoming a celebration associated with costumes, festivities, and, later, commercialism (Agoncillo, 1990; Reyes, 2015).

In contemporary Filipino culture, however, Halloween is often seen not as a celebration in its own right but rather as a precursor to Undas (All Saints’ Day), which occurs on November 1st. This shift highlights a significant cultural reinterpretation where Halloween serves more as an introduction to the solemn observances that characterize Undas.

Cultural Landscape of Halloween in the Philippines

Filipinos predominantly view Halloween through the lens of familial obligation and remembrance. Unlike the predominantly festive atmosphere found in Western celebrations, Halloween in the Philippines is a period that signals the upcoming rituals associated with Undas (Tiongson, 2020). In this context, the days leading up to November 1st are filled with preparation, where families clean graves, prepare food offerings, and engage in prayerful reflection (Bautista, 2018; Reyes, 2015).

The shift in perception towards Halloween illustrates a cultural emphasis on respect for ancestors and the significance of maintaining family ties. In fact, Miller (2013) notes that these practices serve as a means of communal mourning and solidarity, enabling families to come together to share stories and memories of their loved ones. This profound connection with the past shapes the Filipino experience of Halloween, contrasting sharply with the more superficial celebrations observed in many Western contexts.

Halloween as a Prelude to Undas: A Time for Preparation

For many Filipinos, Halloween has come to serve as a preparatory phase rather than a primary celebration. During the days leading up to Undas, families clean and decorate graves, prepare offerings, and make logistical arrangements for gatherings. This period has begun to resemble the spirit of the Qingming Festival, China’s tomb-sweeping day, where families visit and maintain the graves of ancestors to express reverence (Cheng, 2007; Fan, 2016). Similarly, as in Mexico's Día de los Muertos, Undas involves honoring the memory of the deceased, though with a stronger focus on prayer and reflection than festive celebration.

Understanding Halloween as a precursor to Undas allows Filipinos to engage more deeply with their cultural heritage. This interpretation positions Halloween not merely as a commercial holiday but as a time for reflection and connection with ancestors. By preparing for Undas during this time, families can reinforce their cultural values and honor their heritage (Miller, 2013; Santiago, 2014).

By reinterpreting Halloween to Qingming or Dia de los Muertos as a start for All Saints and All Souls, Filipinos can frame the period leading up to Undas as an opportunity for reverence and respect rather than mere consumerism. As unlike Halloween’s emphasis on costumes and haunted themes, the Filipino approach during this period is one of respect and solemnity. Halloween may be observed casually by some, especially in urbanized areas with its parties and "trick or treat", but the deeper cultural observance for Filipinos remains tied to family and faith. Tiongson (2020) argues that, for most Filipinos, the Western idea of Halloween remains somewhat irrelevant or even counterintuitive, as it does not align with tropical seasons or traditional values. Instead, the lead-up to Undas becomes an anticipatory moment for visiting cemeteries, creating a somber yet reflective atmosphere. 

Ancestral Reverence and Cultural Practices

The honoring of the dead is a central tenet of Filipino culture, deeply embedded in societal values and practices. During Undas, families visit cemeteries, lighting candles and sharing meals with the deceased, signifying their ongoing connection to those who have passed (Miller, 2013; Santos, 2015). This practice reinforces the Filipino belief in communal support and the collective memory of family, which is essential in navigating grief and loss (Santiago, 2014).

The biblical basis for honoring the dead is also evident in the Catholic teachings that permeate Filipino culture. For example, in Tobit 4:17, which speaks to the practice of burial and care for the deceased as Tobit counsels his son to give alms in honor of the dead or, more probably, to give the “bread of consolation” to the family; as well as 2 Maccabees 12:46 that it states, “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins,” underscoring the spiritual significance of praying for the deceased (Holy Bible, NAB). This aligns with the practices of many Filipino families who pray for their departed during Undas, reinforcing their commitment to familial love and spiritual intercession.

Similarities to Día de los Muertos

The Filipino tradition of Undas mirrors Mexico's Día de los Muertos in both meaning and ritual. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is celebrated with colorful altars, food offerings, and festive gatherings, reflecting the belief that death is a continuation of life. 

In the Philippines, while the observance may be less overtly festive, the rituals of preparing offerings, sharing food, and spending time at grave sites show a similar approach to honoring deceased family members. Miller (2013) notes that both cultures share a view of death that emphasizes continuity and connection, rather than finality.

Halloween, Undas, and the Future of Cultural Identity

As globalization continues to influence cultural practices, Filipinos face the challenge of maintaining their rich traditions in the face of commercialization. As any other holiday, commercialization has had an impact on Halloween’s growing visibility in the Philippines. Younger generations, influenced by globalized media, have begun adopting Halloween customs like costume parties and trick-or-treating in urban areas. This trend reflects the globalization of Western holidays but does not overshadow the solemn traditions of Undas, which remains deeply embedded in Filipino cultural and religious life. Bautista (2018) points out that, while Halloween decorations and events are increasingly popular, they do not carry the same cultural significance or widespread observance as Undas, but rather serves as a compliment.

While some may embrace Halloween as a fun-filled holiday, the deeper cultural significance of Undas remains a vital aspect of Filipino identity (Miller, 2013). This tension highlights the importance of reflection and remembrance, particularly in a society increasingly focused on practicality and economic gain.

Literature suggests that by reinterpreting Halloween as a cultural touchpoint, shows that there are Filipinos who rather resist the pressures of commercialism and instead reaffirm their commitment to ancestral reverence if not folk religiosity. This approach encourages families to prioritize their cultural identity, emphasizing the significance of remembering loved ones and honoring their legacy.

Conclusion

In summary, while Halloween is often viewed as a festive occasion in many cultures, its significance within the Filipino context is distinct. Halloween is seen primarily as a precursor to Undas, a time for preparation for Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and a reflection that honors ancestral ties and family bonds, akin to the role of Qingming in Chinese culture. This reinterpretation, with its focus on remembrance rather than festivities, also aligns Filipino traditions more closely with Día de los Muertos than with Western Halloween. Thus, by embracing this interpretation, Filipinos can deepen their engagement with their cultural heritage, ensuring that the traditions of honoring the deceased continue to thrive in the face of globalization and changing societal values.

This reinterpretation of Halloween encourages Filipinos to view it as a meaningful time of remembrance rather than a commercial spectacle, reinforcing the values of love, connection, and respect for those who have passed away. By doing so, they can ensure that their cultural practices surrounding death and remembrance endure for future generations.

References

• Agoncillo, T. (1990). History of the Filipino People. Garotech Publishing.

• Bautista, R. (2018). “Cultural Practices in the Philippines: A Comparative Study of All Saints’ Day and Qingming Festival.” Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 49(2), 201-214.

• Cheng, A. (2007). “Ancestral Worship in Chinese Culture: The Practice of Qingming.” Asian Ethnology, 66(1), 39-56.

• Fan, H. (2016). “The Rituals of Qingming: Tradition and Transformation.” Chinese Studies, 5(2), 45-60.

• Miller, M. (2013). “Traditions and Cultural Practices Surrounding Death in the Philippines.” Philippine Studies, 61(1-2), 123-139.

• Monaghan, P. (2009). The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore. Facts On File.
• Reyes, C. (2015). “Undas: A Time to Remember.” Philippine Daily Inquirer.

• Santos, J. (2015). “Prayer for the Dead in Filipino Culture.” Philippine Journal of Religious Studies.

• Santiago, L. (2014). “Cultural Synthesis in Filipino Society.” Asian Studies Review, 38(4), 563-580.

• Tiongson, J. (2020). “Halloween vs. Undas: A Cultural Reflection.” Manila Bulletin.

• The Holy Bible, New American Bible. (Catholic Church).