Friday, March 16, 2018There were some onlookers who frowned upon this at the time, because I did this not for penitence, but for experiential reasons and also socialization--to participate in a cultural event and to be part of the congregating community.
Moreover, though I do sympathize and can understand those who truly feel sorrow and regret for having done wrong, I do not consider penitence as an infinite blanket safeguard or as an instrument that can universally and limitlessly absolve oneself -- meaning despite how many wrongdoings, one will always be forgiven if they go to church, read religious texts, or ask for forgiveness.
Thus, I also do not believe, if someone participates in Penitensiya, that they are then released from their sins. I view it more as a cultural tradition. If you truly feel sorrow and regret for having done wrong, then you should instead seek forgiveness from the victim/aggrieved party and/or accept the consequences of your actions or misdeeds, learn from your mistakes, and try to change yourself for the better. Good doesn't come from religious, holy, or external elements; it is something from within oneself.
Original post below:
Thursday, April 20, 2006
A few days ago was Mahal na Araw, the day Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. On this day, some Filipinos take part in what is called Penitensiya (I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly). During this event, some participants hit themselves on the back with wooden, metal, or glass whips. They also stop at occasional shrines to get pierced in the back. During the procession, they are also hit by other people carrying wooden sticks/bats. Some participants also drag heavy wooden crosses. This parade-like religious form of self-punishment goes on for several miles under the midday sun and involves actually being crucified on a cross for a few participants. I briefly took part in the ceremony by dragging wooden crosses. These crosses are quite heavy, and they left a big red mark on my shoulder that is still in the process of healing.
8 comments:
hello?! why would you carry a cross?! you barely have money to feed youself!!!
anyway, sure glad you're ok. :)
you look like lucky manzano, the son of vilma santos. but you're much hotter than him, imho
how heavy is that cross? yung mga gumagawa nun usually they have panata. parang devotion ganun.. kaya every year they do it.
Nice blog you got here. Good read. Having done some Pinoy traditions, do you feel more Pinoy now? Just asking..
=)
i saw you on the tv today. on nagmamahal kapamilya. im from hawaii, but my province in the pi is zambales(nagbunga/balaybay) too. its kind of near subic. my dad did that Penitensiya thing you took pics of. i was just wondering where was that at?
Got this link forwarded by an office mate.
Yes, you spelled penitensiya correctly. Sadly, even tough I am a Filipino Catholic, this is one Filipino culture which is sometimes rooted in ignorance. Tsk...tsk...tsk.... The Holy Week here is gorier than Halloween! Hehehe.
However, it is a good thing you've tried it yourself. :)
Refreshing read as always.
you're so brave....
You're truly Amazing, I must say. I would've never thought of doing those things that you've done if I have not seen you do it.
Thanks for being the "Perfect Coconut" that fell on my head =)
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