This is one of the old traditions among us Filipinos on the night of Araw ng Mga Patay (All Souls day): we light a few candles in front of our homes for the so-called "mga kaluluwang ligaw", roughly translated as "lost elementals" or souls of dead people who have not yet ascended to heaven.
According to ancient Filipino belief, the kaluluwang ligaw still inhabit the Earth and make their presence felt by making mysterious manifestations like vague sounds, shadows, and strange lights which cannot come from natural sources. It is believed that their manifestations are part of their desire to still contact the world and make their presence felt. The Tagalogs call them "multo" (ghosts).
This night I lighted a few candles and offered some food outside our door for the "kaluluwang ligaw", whoever they may be. It is also my one way of acknowledging their ethereal presence so that they need not manifest their presence to me If ever I needed to wake up at 2 in the morning to go the bathroom.
7 comments:
In my little town of Tarlac, we didn't have this tradition. This is pretty new to me. But I like it's significance.
Photo Cache: This tradition is quite prevalent among us the Tagalogs :)
We used to do that lighting the candles but later our family stopped doing that since my mom died ;-) hehehe naputol na ang tradition namin ;-)
Missy: Yes, but here in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, and most of the Tagalog folks, still observe this tradition :) Thanks for dropping by!
Hello Dennis, have you experienced seeing a ghost. Hope you can share your story.
Hi Dennis. Happy New Year! :)
i'm glad i am not alone in this belief. my late maternal grandparents also taught us such observance to light candles not only for our dearly departed but also for lost souls in the purgatory. they need prayers too of course.
i will pray for them, no worries i just hope they won't appear in front of me to thank me. haha! (takot ko lang!)
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