Saying Goodbye

Last Saturday, our family attended the funeral of a beloved Uncle. Saying goodbye is difficult especially when it seems too early and untimely. But I believe that God always has a better plan for us. Time always heals the pain and lessens the sorrow.

Let me share with you some funeral customs/superstitions/beliefs practiced in the Philippines (some might be similar to other countries):

- The deceased is dressed in barong (traditional Filipino clothing for men) and white dress (for women).

- The deceased does not wear shoes in order not to hear their footsteps when their soul lingers nearby.

- People usually wear white or black during the wake or funeral. Bright colors, especially red is not worn during this time because it disrespects the departed.

- A person is strongly advised not to bring home anything from the wake or funeral like candies and food because it will bring bad luck.

- Some visitors do not say goodbye before leaving the wake because it brings bad luck.

- Children below seven years old are carried over the casket so that the dead will not visit the children after the burial.

- A black butterfly lingering in the wake or the funeral is thought to be the soul of the departed.

- It is advised not to go home directly when you come from a wake or funeral.

- Before going home, it is good to make a stop over where you can eat something sweet. It prevents you from bringing sadness back to your home.

Disclaimer: Not all Filipinos practice these customs but they are common beliefs and superstitions in our country passed on from generation to generation. I have noticed that over the years, the younger generation are slowly deviating from these beliefs.