Finding Meaning in Our Rituals and Traditions

Traditions and rituals mark important moments in our story that must be remembered and passed down to future generations. They allow us to not only remember but acknowledge, appreciate, and honor the stories of those who have gone before us. They help us recommit to the values and the legacies our ancestors left behind. By our participation, we get to walk in the footsteps of those who have paved the way for us, respectfully sharing our inner journeys with theirs and with those around us.

And in our modern world where feelings of emptiness and meaninglessness are pervasive, traditions and rituals help us transcend the humdrum of everyday life. They are reminders of what really matters. They help frame and reframe the meaning of life, connecting us to other human beings, to our ancestors, to our history, to our common values, to our authentic selves, and to our faith.

The month of May in the Filipino culture is filled with colorful and festive traditions that present opportunities for families and barrios (villages) to come together not only to eat and be merry but to also celebrate the faith and our connections.

For more about the historical and cultural significance of these May traditions, along with reflections of some of the young participants, here’s my recent article appearing in Positively Filipino Magazine.