Transcendental May Filipino Traditions
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2017 Reyna Elena is escorted by a young Emperor Constantine during Santacruzan held in Everett, Washington. (Photo courtesy of Filipino Community of Saint Mary Magdalen)
Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo are something I experienced every year growing up in the Philippines, and so it was easy to take them and their significance for granted. And that’s why for me, and I’m sure for many other Filipinos living abroad, these are traditions that not only bring back memories of home, but also serve as reminders of the importance of community, culture, family, and faith.
Among the main features of these celebrations are the young men and women outfitted with elegant clothes in a procession as biblical figures and queens, or reynas. There are several figures in this procession; each one represents a biblical or religious character such as Judith, Ruth, Sheba, Esther, Veronica, and Noemi, or the virtues of faith (“Reyna Fe” which means “Queen Faith”), hope (“Reyna Esperanza” which means “Queen Hope”), charity (“Reyna Caridad” which means “Queen Charity”), justice (“Reyna Justicia” which means “Queen Justice”). The last but key character in the procession represents Reyna Elena (Queen Helena). She walks with a cross in her arms to represent her search of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. She is escorted by a young man who represents Emperor Constantine, her son who was responsible for Christianity becoming the dominant religion of the Roman empire in the fourth century.
Youth getting ready for Santacruzan procession. (Photo courtesy of Filipino Community of Saint Mary Magdalen)
Santacruzan is a lot more than just a festive procession of young women in colorful dresses. Modern renditions of Santacruzan even tend to equate it to a beauty pageant with the title “Reyna Elena” awarded to the most beautiful girl or most important matron. However, the elegance of the externalities may tend to shroud the really rich and deep meanings these rituals were meant to convey. In a culture of storytelling, these rituals are narratives. These traditions have a profound way of connecting us to our past, our heritage and our faith. And for us far away from home and generations removed from their origins, these traditions illuminate the path as we trace or retrace the roots of our Filipino Catholic identity.
For many first-generation immigrant Filipinos, celebrating Santacruzan in the U.S. has deep significance. It brings not only a sense of nostalgia, but also of pride and heritage. “It reminds me of my younger days when we used to spend weeks preparing our outfits and decorating our arches,” says one of the spectators at last year’s Santacruzan held by the Filipino Community at Saint Mary Magdalen in Everett, Washington.
For the younger generations, especially those with very little to no experience with Santacruzan in the Philippines, these are traditions that bridge us back to the homeland and our predecessors. According to one past Reyna Elena, participating in the event made her “become more appreciative of Filipino culture, and feel honored to honor the Blessed Mother Mary in such way.” By participating in the event, she got to strengthen her connectedness to her faith and the values of her culture.
Santacruzan procession stops to offer flowers to the statue of Virgin Mary. (Photo courtesy of Filipino Community of Saint Mary Magdalen)
The youth’s active participation, including the preparation for their specific roles in the procession, catechizes them and helps them deeply understand this Marian tradition and the historical meanings of the faith. They get to walk in the footsteps of key historical figures like Queen Helena as she finds the Holy Cross of Christ in Jerusalem.
Santacruzan procession during Mass at Saint Mary Magdalen in Everett, Washington. (Photo courtesy of Filipino Community of Saint Mary Magdalen)
There’s a world of difference between growing up in the Philippines and growing up in the U.S. We have our traditions, rituals, and heritage to hold on to because they help transcend the humdrum of everyday life. They help us recommit to the values and the legacies our ancestors left behind. By our participation, we walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, respectfully sharing our inner journeys with theirs and with those around us. They connect us to one another, our ancestors, our history, our common values, and to our faith.
BJ Gonzalvo
BJ Gonzalvo is an organizational psychologist and author of Lead Like the Saints (Daughters of Saint Paul, 2019). He is currently collecting kuwentos (stories), reflections on what faith means to Filipinos in America today.
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