KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE: REMEMBERING OUR DEPARTED LOVED ONES IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC

Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories. – Ronald Reagan

THE pandemic has changed the way we commemorate All Saints Day in the Philippines. Known to be one of the busiest and most festive holidays in the country, All Saints Day or Undas, like Christmas, used to bring together families who have not seen each other in a while, and is one of the Filipinos’ most cherished traditions. But for the second year in a row, we are forced to forego our Undas family traditions in favor of protecting our loved ones who are still living.

Eternal Gardens has been the venue of family reunions that take place during Undas Season since its establishment 45 years ago, or in 1976, by its founder, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua. As early as October 30, the parks would be filled with people visiting the graves of their departed loved ones to light candles, offer flowers, and say a prayer for the eternal repose of the deceased. After paying their respects, families would take the opportunity to catch up over a meal and use the time to bond with one another while reminiscing the happy memories of their dearly departed.

By November 1, All Saints Day, bigger crowds would gather in all of Eternal Gardens’ 11 parks located in Baesa, Caloocan City; the Cities of Dagupan and Biñan, Balagtas and Concepcion in Batangas City; the Cities of Lipa, Naga and Cabanatuan; Santa Rosa, Laguna; Cagayan de Oro City, and Cabuyao City, Laguna.

Despite the overwhelming number of people and fiesta-like ambiance, the management of these Eternal Gardens branches always maintained the peace and order in the parks on this day until November 2, All Souls Day, with the assistance of their respective LGUs and some volunteer groups. This is the company’s way of keeping the occasion solemn, which sets it apart from the public cemeteries that are usually chaotic during this time of the year.

This year, however, like in the previous year, the parks of Eternal Gardens will be closed during the Undas Holiday. Thus, the company has encouraged its clients to visit their loved ones ahead of the scheduled park closure, or after, and to observe all health and safety protocols when they visit, to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Still there are those who would choose to stay home on All Saints and All Souls Days, which is the safest thing to do. But this does not mean that they cannot partake in the Filipino tradition of honoring our departed loved ones on the special days dedicated to them. Here are some of the ways that we can remember them right in the safety of our homes.

1. SET UP AN ALTAR

As you commemorate the lives of your dearly departed, it is best to dedicate a space for them. Add a crucifix (for Catholics), their picture, flowers, and candles. You may also place things that remind you of them, like their favorite book or a special memento.

2. GATHER THE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY FOR A PRAYER

Have all the members of your family gather around the altar and offer a prayer together for your dearly departed. Pray for their souls, and ask God for their eternal repose. You may also use this time to teach the young members of the family how to pray.

3. PREPARE A MEAL FOR THE FAMILY

Since November 1st is a holiday, most of the members of the family will be at home. Grab the opportunity to share a special meal with them as part of honoring your dearly departed. Cook your specialties, and set the table for lunch or dinner. Some families also practice the tradition of offering food to their dearly departed, usually placing a plate of their favorite meal at the altar.

4. SHARE INSPIRING STORIES

Another way of remembering is sharing some meaningful stories and encounters you had with your departed loved ones, especially to the younger members of the family. You may incorporate this through a game or any interactive activity that the whole family can enjoy. It is also a way to let them know more about the life of your departed loved ones. The valuable lessons that they taught you when they were still living might also serve as an inspiration and a helpful reminder, so feel free to share them with everyone as well.

5. GO ON A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE MEMORIAL PARK

Eternal Gardens has recently launched virtual tours of all its parks. The family can now get a glimpse of the park in the comfort of their homes by visiting the website at www.eternalgardens.ph, and clicking ‘Virtual Tours’. You can navigate this virtual tour and see the beautifully landscaped park adorned with religious icons.

The home is a place of beautiful memories. The corners are witnesses to all the moments that are worth treasuring. The walls paint pictures of thousands of memories made through the years. The doors welcome, and in times bid goodbye, to people and memories.  The windows are the eyes that witness the tears that fall when someone bids their farewell. But after all the ups and downs, a home remains a place where love endures forever. And during this time of a health crisis, the home can also be the prefect venue for remembering our loved ones who have gone ahead of us.