Raised in Christian belief, I was exposed to the different forms of Catholic expression in Filipino homes. Since we are celebrating Holy Week, it would be meaningful to think about culture and how we Filipinos shape our spaces based on our faith and spiritual worldviews.
Because the Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic, it’s not surprising to enter a household and see these: an altar with a crucifix and a figure of Mary, a painting or wood sculpture of The Last Supper displayed in the dining area, or St. Joseph on the bedside table. Even outdoor spaces like a grotto are used as a vessel for Marian iconography. Many Filipino Catholics exercise their faith through material, concrete objects. It demonstrates the varied means Filipinos express religiosity.
Even Filipino artisans of religious objects connect their craft to spiritual devotion. Each carve and weave, efforts to create images of Jesus, Mary and the Saints, are in itself a way to ground themselves spiritually. Regardless of what we personally think about religion, we can’t deny an individual’s propensity to connect to a greater power. It is in this varied pursuit of transcendence (heaven, enlightenment, or what have you), that we get to see our own personal spaces be transformed into our spiritual grounding.
The Catholic Maximalist
Before young kids (like me) stuffed their cabinets and desks with any figurines, charms, and plushes they could get a hold of, their lolas were the first to fill their personal spaces to the brim with religious objects.
Other cultures with strong Catholic ties also have the tendency to be maximalist in their religious expression. This is attributed to the folk beliefs (e.g. belief in the power of anting-anting and the like) intersecting with Catholic doctrine. Honoring saints, seeking the intercession of Mary, and the like goes beyond prayer and ritual. In fact, sometimes the manner of maintaining sacred spaces is the ritual for most Catholics.
This Catholic maximalism also relates to the intensity expressed by Filipinos. While on the surface this attitude of accumulation is contrary to the Christian value of humility, most Catholic homes do exercise restraint of consumption. Filipino Catholics instead make faith an exception, strongly expressing devotion to practices that give personal fulfillment.
Catholic Expression in Filipino Homes
Even in simpler ways of marking one’s Catholic faith, Filipinos don’t fall short in going all out. These areas are often the heart of a house, being a space where families gather to pray and reflect.
In a sense, it may have to do with thinking that home altars and grottos are not just part of the home. Catholics treat sacred symbols with sanctity and place them in spaces that receive special attention.
This level of reverence is a truly Filipino quality. Spiritual grounding makes people more grateful and resilient. It also inspires them to move forward even amidst life’s difficulties. Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa, in other words, an attitude transmuted to our home living.
A Blessed Lent and Beyond
Personal beliefs shape attitudes, practices, and the physical space we occupy. If you wish to color your home with relevant hues even after Holy Week, check the articles below.
Beauty in Stillness: 5 Solemn Boysen Paint Colors for Holy Week
Let your home be an expression of faith and spirit. A blessed Lent to you all!
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