CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF CEBUANOS
Cebu City is not only known for its history, but also in its own customs and tradition. The beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Cebuanos are rooted in the Spanish Culture and American Influences, but even so, the Cebuanos continue to preserve their culture of being Filipino. This is evident in their customs and traditions. But what exactly is the difference between customs and tradition? Before we explore the customs and traditions of the Cebuanos, let us first differentiate the two terms.
Tradition is a way of behaving, thinking, or doing something that many people follow for a long time in a community, society or even in a family. It can be a belief that is passed down from one generation to another. Examples of this are the religion and culture of the people in a society. Customs, on the other hand, refers to a commonly accepted way of behaving in a society, an example of this from other countries is a bowing to show respect to other people.
Cebuanos observe many customs and traditions, some of which are related to birth, baptism, courtship, marriage, death and burial.
When a mother is about to give birth, Cebuanos put pomelo leaves under their house to drive away evil spirits that may be around. While the mother is in labor, her family burns dried leaves and roots because the smoke is believed to help lessen the painful labor pains of the mother. The Cebuanos also believe that if the first born is a boy, it is a sign of good luck.
When a couple gets married, all expenses of the after-party are covered by the groom. After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds will walk into the bride’s house and touch two plates filled with water and some leaves of the San Francisco plant because they believe that it will provide harmonious life to the couple. Additionally, the eldest member of the bride’s family is required to comb the hair of the newlywed and offer advice for a happy life and relationship.
Before the Spanish conquered the Philippines, the Filipinos already had their own beliefs, practices and identities. Before being influenced by the foreigners, Filipinos in general believed in Bathala and Diwatas. The traditional pusô or hanging rice is a type of rice dish cooked or boiled and is placed in a triangular pouch made of woven coconut leaves. Today, pusô can be commonly sold and found on the streets of Cebu. Pre-hispanic Filipinos used pusô as an offering to the diwatas during their religious festivals and activities. It is also often offered to deceased family members, so they will not haunt the living. Lastly, pusô is also used to thank the gods for a good harvest.
Cebu City has an annual tradition that shows their strong belief in Christianity. One of their traditions is the God’s Armada, a fluvial procession where hundreds of sea vessels join in the event that fills the Mactan Channel. Leading the procession is a galleon where images of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu and Cebu’s Patron Saint Our Lady of Guadalupe can be seen. The Santo Niño de Cebu was one of Ferdinand Magellan’s gifts to the ruler of Cebu Raja Humabon as part of their baptism and strategic alliance for territorial conquest. Many devotees and believers come to this annual event to witness the beautiful event of God’s Armada.
The customs and traditions mentioned are just a few examples of the belief and tradition of the Cebuano people. Their culture and beliefs are so extensive which made Cebu City popular to its local and foreign tourists seeking to experience its rich history and culture. While Cebu City is one of the places that have been influenced by foreign invaders such as Spaniards and Americans, the people have managed to preserve their Filipino culture and beliefs. They hold great importance to the history of the Philippines because they provide insight into Filipino culture and beliefs. Not only does Cebu have a rich history, but it also has customs and traditions that reflect its cultural identity and strong religious faith of the Cebuanos.
