Visiting the cemeteries and paying respect to their dead loved ones is a common Filipino tradition during All Saints’ Day. But with millions of people observing the tradition, it can be an arduous activity. Here is a quick guide to help you organize your All Saints’ Day sojourn and pay your respects properly.
Preparing for your trip to the cemeteries
Depending on where your loved ones are buried, you might have to travel. Some even head to the provinces for the occasion. Plan your trip weeks in advance to avoid the inevitable rush of commuters and motorists.
It would also help to buy your travel tickets early so you don’t have to worry about being a chance passenger on the day. Travel either early or later on the day of your trip to stay clear of the peak hour traffic.
If you intend to drive to the cemeteries, take note of the alternate routes provided by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. These are usually released a week before November 1, giving you plenty of time to plan your entire trip. Include your stopovers as well so that you don’t waste too much time on the road.
The things you need to bring
Since remembering Araw ng mga Patay is sometimes a whole day affair, you need to make sure your family is well-fed while in the cemetery. Cook food that doesn’t spoil easily, such as adobo, barbecue, or oil-based pasta. Make sure these are packed into containers with watertight lids to prevent them from spilling or leaking.
If you plan to bring ready to cook meals like cup noodles or soups, have all the things needed to prepare them. A portable water heater is handy not just for cooking these meals but also for preparing hot drinks. As for utensils, opt for washable ones instead of disposable plates and spoons. This will lessen the trash you leave behind.
Other essential items you need to bring are:
- Candles: Go for lead-free ones that don’t emit black smoke. Limit the number of candles you light on your dead relatives’ graves.
- Flowers: Buy real flowers instead of plastic ones to lessen pollution. You can also opt for potted plants that will last longer than bouquets.
- Umbrellas/Tents: Since it’s still the rainy season, these will help you keep dry should a downpour happen. For tents, get easy to pitch ones to save you from the hassle.
- Miscellaneous items: Check the advisory of local government officials to find out what specific items you can and cannot bring inside the cemetery.
Make sure to purchase these items days in advance. They can get more expensive when you buy them from vendors on the day. It would also be wise to get items that have less packaging for less hassle.
Things to keep in mind during your cemetery trip
With millions of people observing the holiday, the cemeteries can get very crowded. Employ a buddy system to ensure everyone in your group has a companion all the time. Put tags on kids containing their names and your contact numbers for quick identification in case they get lost. Keep an eye on them all the time and make sure they don’t wander off.
Due to the large crowds, cemeteries are also a popular target for thieves and pickpockets. Secure your belongings and make sure your bags are in front of you when navigating the passageways. Avoid wearing jewelry that might attract the attention of other people. It is also better if you avoid going through the crowded areas.
Cemetery etiquette
While it might look like a fiesta, observing All Saints Day should still be done solemnly. Here are some important things to follow during your stay in the cemetery:
- Do not play loud music: If you do want to play music, make sure to turn it down to a reasonable volume. You can also use headphones instead.
- Don’t disturb other graves: Avoid stepping on the graves when walking on the park lawn. Remind kids to not play on top of tombs as well.
- Keep your area clean: Make sure you have a bag ready for all your trash. Be sure to dispose of this properly before leaving the cemetery.
- Be courteous: when crossing through a tomb, ask permission first from the owners and ensure that you do not disturb anything.
By following these reminders, everyone will be able to observe All Saints Day peacefully. There will also be less hassle on your part.
Things to do after your cemetery visit
When leaving the cemetery, do a headcount to make sure everyone is already accounted for. Check your belongings as well. If you have someone from the cemetery staff specifically taking care of your relatives’ tombs, talk with them and leave your instructions.
When traveling back to the city, it would be a good idea to head out a bit later. You will avoid the homebound traffic this way. Remember to take this into account when filing your leave from work or notify your superiors earlier in the day.
Be hassle-free when remembering All Saints Day
While it is for remembering the dead, All Saints Day is still a highly-anticipated holiday for Filipinos. By following this guide, you will have fewer headaches when joining millions of others in the cemeteries. Plan and have a worthwhile day remembering your loved ones.