Reparo, Nasugbu, Batangas: Historical Data Part II
 |
| Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines. |
PART II
[p. 7]
C. Baptism:
Baptism in the barrio means not only christening the child and having a grand party but also having a second parent for the child. Usually, he selects his “Person of the Season” as the “Comadre” or “Compadre.”
However, the selection of the “Compadre” and the “Comadre” rest upon the hands of the parents of the child’s mother because they are given that privilege when the first born of the couple comes.
The godfather buys clothes, shoes and other articles to be used by the baby during the baptismal ceremony. They usually pay for the necessary expenses like the registering of the child, paying the transportation expenses, and the like. He or she also invites ladies to make the party colorful.
The godfather or the godmother gives something to the child in the form of money, clothes or jewels etc. so that both of them will not be susceptible to sickness.
Sometimes, the parents of the child do not give a party but, instead, they slaughter and roast a pig to be given to the godfather or godmother in the form of “sabit.” Usually, the bigger the offering or “sabit,” the bigger the gift or “pakimkim” received.
It is also a common practice that after the baptismal ceremony, the godfather or godmother runs out of the church as fast as he could in order that he or she may be the first in going out, because they believed that the child would always be forced and successful in every undertaking when he grows up.
Courtship:
Courtship is an old, old tradition. Even among the slaves, courtship was a practice, and to this barrio folks are no exception.
Serenading has the romantic splendor of showing that a man was attracted by a certain girl. He will have himself introduced to the girl and her parents to get an access to the house. From then on, he will begin his nocturnal visits, whereby he hears his heartthrobs and prob-
[p. 8]
lems of his heart.
Other symptoms of romantic appeals are writing love letters to the girl (which are not answered by the over-careful girl), going with this girl to places (with chaperone, of course), giving gifts, helping the parents when at work and the like.
The verdict of the girl can be known when the man does what we call “nagkakahoy.” Here, the parents of the man go with him and bring food with them together with the other relatives. The near relatives of the girl are given bundles of fuel also without their knowledge.
The girl shows signs of disapproval by answering that she is too young yet to think of matrimony so the parents will tell the man’s parents to bring with them their boy. The girl says, “It’s up to you my dear parents” if she means “yes,” thus, the parents say “You can leave Juan with us.”
After a week, the girl’s parents call the boy’s parents and the latter bring the food with them. This is called “bulongan” – they talk (the parents of both parties) about the date of the marriage, the matrimonial demands which are required [for] a decent wedding, like the girl’s trousseau, jewels, house, land, etc. Now, the man’s heart is almost in a sure spot, but his pocket will soon be washed.
Marriage –
From generation to generation, it is the belief that marriage is the bridge to haven [heaven?] “El matrimonio es la Fuente para el cielo.”
Courtship most often ends in marriage is either incidental or intentional.
The old folks are given the privilege to select the best day and the best month of the year for the day of days called wedding day. May is supposed to be the month of blossoms and is often selected because it is believed that couples married in this month will tread a flowery path. September, a month of harvest and abundance, wins the favor of the selectors because of the meanings it suggests.
[p. 9]
Early in the morning, the bride and the bridegroom dress themselves to be on time for the mass. Meanwhile, the kin of the groom are head-to-toe busy in preparing everything to make the wedding a successful event – one which everybody will remember.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds, together with the bridesmaids and ushers and the other visitors, go to the bride’s home to participate in the celebration.
At the stairs, they are showered with rice so that their life will be prosperous. Besides, sweets are offered to them to make their marriage a happy one. The kissing of the hands of the old folks and congratulations follow.
After the celebration, before the day ends, the bride goes with the relatives of the groom to his house. She opens the door, waters the stove, and squats at the center of the house. This will lead to a peaceful, harmonious relationship with the in-laws.
F. Death:
1. The dying goes to his last confession and communion.
2. The dead wears his or her best dress like the wedding dress and the like.
3. The relatives, friends and neighbors keep vigil for one night.
4. They notify far-away relatives of death in the family.
5. The immediate relatives mourn for the dead for one year.
6. They celebrate the fourth and ninth day ritual. On the fourth day, clothes are washed and the yards are swept. The house is also cleaned thoroughly.
7. During the nights, people show their sympathy with the bereaved family by praying with them and also making them happy by playing parlor games, like the following:
[p. 10]
|
a. Punong Halamanan b. Ulo-uluhan c. Lipatan ng susi d. Patungan ng susi e. Isturbo |
f. Duplo, tulaan at dalit g. Batisan h. Plorum i. Bapor-baporan j. Bulong-pare |
8. The 40th day is also celebrated by praying.
9. “Nagbabang-luksa” – Babang Luksa means putting off the mourning clothes. This is held some days or months before or after the death anniversary. The old women pray for the repose of the soul of the dead on this day.
10. All Saints’ Day is celebrated by bringing flowers and candles to the tomb or grave.
Burial:
1. Making of wreaths.
2. Corpse placed before the altar and the priest blesses it.
3. Before the funeral, the old women pray in the house.
4. Roman Catholics take the dead to church before it is laid to rest.
5. If the dead is an old person, his young relatives kiss his hand and they pass over his corpse. (Not stopping on the body, of course.)
6. Soil is thrown into the grave to get rid of any disease which they might have.
7. The floor upon which the corpse was placed before the burial is removed and water is poured over the place. This will drive any sickness in the family.
Visits:
1. Visitors are entertained by offering them sweets, drinks and other foods.
2. Those visiting bring gifts for the person being visited.
[p. 11]
PAGPAPARUSA:
Ang mga kaparusahan noong unang panahon sa mga bayan ay ang mga sumusunod:
2. Pagtutubig – Drowning
3. Pagpalo – Beating
4. Ipinahihila sa kabayo – Pulled by a horse.
5. Sipa, sampal, atbp. – kicking, slapping.
Origin of Songs:
According to the old folks, songs were known to mankind. Soon, they grew restless and lonesome because their lives were so monotonous. They just hunted for wild animals, ate and slept. Because birds abounded, they heard all kinds of songs and chirping of the birds. The songs of these birds attracted the wisest of the cavemen, so he learned to imitate the flow of the tunes of the birds’ songs. After the lapse of years, improvements were made and here we are now with all kinds of songs to make us happy.
BELIEFS:
1. They believe in the existence of one Supreme Being called “Bathala.”
2. They believe in the existence of heavenly bodies and planets.
3. They believe that money provides everything except happiness and salvation of the soul.
4. The good is rewarded by God and the bad is punished by Him.
5. Love is blind.
6. A comet with a broom-like ray that rises on the west is a sign that people will die.
7. Every important thing that happens in this world has visible signs, like for example World War II.
Three signs were seen by the barrio folks:
(b) Thousands and thousands of tadpoles roamed around.
[p. 12]
8. They believe that the earth is round.
9. That there is life after death.
10. God punishes the world in parts, no deluge will come.
MGA PAMAHIIN (SUPERSTITIONS)
4. Huag mauupo sa sangkalan sapagka’t gawing sangkalan sa masasamang bagay.
5. Pag ang kasal at ang patay ay nagkatagpo sa simbahan, ang bagong kasal ay medaling mamamatay.
6. Pag ang patay ay napatakan ng luha, ang kanyang kaluluwa ay hindi matatahimik.