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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in the Philippines, Season 1, Lesson 21 - Lent and Holy Week
Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in the Philippines Series at FilipinoPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Filipino holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 21, Lent and Holy Week. In Filipino, it’s called Kuwaresma at Semana Santa.
Lent is a Christian based holiday that lasts for forty days, starting from Ash Wednesday until Holy Thursday. The last week of Lent is referred to as Holy Week and culminates on Easter Sunday, in Filipino Linggo ng Pagkabuhay.
In this lesson, we will learn about what Filipinos do in observance of Lent and the Holy Week.
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-
Where does the ash used on Ash Wednesday come from?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.
The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday, or Miyerkules ng Abo. On this day, almost everyone in the Philippines goes to church and receives a cross-shaped ash sign on their foreheads. Ash is a symbol of the impermanence of life, as well as a symbol of the acceptance of one’s sins, in Filipino kasalanan.
Throughout the forty days of Lent, many devout Catholics offer a sacrifice as a means of repenting for their sins and remembering the sufferings of Jesus Christ. On these days, Catholics are not allowed to eat meat and are advised to fast.
The most important time during Lent is the last week, called the Holy Week. Almost the entire week is declared as a public holiday, and during this week, many devout Catholics participate in the reading of the Passion, processions, “Visita Iglesia” which means visiting churches, and the “Salubong”, an event that symbolizes the welcoming of the resurrected Christ.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question-
Where does the ash used on Ash Wednesday come from?
The ash comes from the palm fronds that were blessed on Palm Sunday, or Linggo ng Palaspas from the previous year. Putting ash on one’s forehead is a reminder that humans come from ashes and will return to ashes at the end of their lives.
How did you find this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting?
How do you observe Lent?
Leave us a comment telling us at FilipinoPod101.com!
And I’ll see you in the next lesson!

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