My friends have commented that the commemoration of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day this year feels quite different. From their perspective, it seems that fewer individuals are visiting the graves of their loved ones. They attribute this shift to the fact that the public holiday fell on a Friday this year, creating a long weekend. As is tradition, many Filipinos seize the opportunity of a long weekend to escape for a vacation with family.
I cannot speak to this directly, as I am currently in another country. This country, which does not overtly identify with any particular faith, lacks such a tradition. In Vietnam, for instance, families visit cemeteries at the beginning of the lunar new year, which occurs in February. There is no custom of lighting candles, buying flowers, or leaving the favorite foods of the departed on tombstones.
This situation highlights how the cultures of different countries and generations evolve, giving rise to new customs. My concern is that modern Filipino families may continue to lose sight of the significance of undas, relegating it to merely another holiday. What could begin as a long weekend might transform into just another occasion for a planned getaway. Personally, I cherish this time of year, much like Christmas. It is a period when my relatives gather to share stories of those who have passed on. There is joy in reminiscing about their lives, recounting what the world used to be like long before the advent of modern technology. Sometimes, I find myself envying the depth of their connections with one another, connections that existed without the mobile phones and the internet.
In fact, the internet has led some individuals to engage in reckless stunts in an effort to validate themselves online. Take for example two content creators who dressed as superheroes. The highway patrol group had to intervene due to their dangerous behavior, which could have easily resulted in accidents. Their drive to generate likes --often seen as a gateway to monetary gain-- blinded them to the risks they posed to themselves and others. In their attempt to attract attention, they ended up apologizing to the authorities, hoping to avoid any formal complaints and dissuade others from following in their footsteps.
This situation serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that come with being constantly online. While the internet has undeniably made our lives more convenient, the quest for validation can lead us to engage in increasingly reckless behavior. However, there is a crucial line that must be drawn when it comes to safety. Furthermore, the concept of bandwagoning can prompt others to replicate these risky actions, further escalating the situation.
As we approach this long weekend, I find myself pondering the drastic changes that await us and who among us might attempt to disrupt the status quo. What is certain, however, is that time is precious, and it is vital to spend it wisely --preferably with family. We must not lose sight of the value of traditions like undas amid the allure of new customs and the distractions of modern life.