Cultural group aims to retell Bible story in May procession
The traditional Santacruzan, a procession commemorating the finding of the true cross by Empress Helena and her son Constantine, is being led to be a “retelling of a Biblical story,” and not a parade of celebrities or a fashion show. And to give the new version a significant name, the Society for Cultural Enrichment, Inc. has called it the Santa Cruz De Mayo.
The SCEI held its Santa Cruz De Mayo 2015 procession last Sunday around the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Thirty-three participants dressed in costumes of Biblical characters designed by Lito Padolina Perez. They carried symbols related to the significance of their characters – candles,
swords, bible and crosses.
Simple and uniform bamboo arches announced the names of the Biblical characters, unlike most Santacruzan processions where arches compete for attention.
This procession, according to SCEI, is a reminder of the inherent religious significance of the cultural values of Santacruzan, encouraging the public to return to the original practice and its purpose.
“Filipinos seem to have forgotten tradition. There seems to have confusion in the interpretation of this celebration,” said Dr. Jamie Yap, vice president of the SCEI.
“We’re hoping that this activity of the Society for Cultural Enrichment, Inc., the Santa Cruz De Mayo will help educate the public that it is important to preserve traditions hindi yung nag-iimbento nalang ng bago kasi kamukha ngayon na yung ibang Santacruzan parang fashion show nalang, pagandahan ng suot, nakalimutan na yung original purpose, “SCEI Vice Chairman Jaime Laya told the Manila Bulletin.
The group started the move to bring back the true essence of Santa Cruz De Mayo four years ago.
Participants volunteer to join the annual event, Consul Helen Ong, SCEI chairman, said. “We have no specific requirements for the participants. They come to us and volunteer, and we also invite some. Most of the time, it has become like an annual vow,” she said.
In last Sunday’s procession the more popular volunteers were former actress Tanya Garcia who portrayed the major character of Empress Helena and Mark Lapid was her consort. Sebastian Lim portrayed the role of Little Constantine.
The traditional event is held every last Friday of May. It was introduced by Franciscan missionaries as a commemoration of Empress Helena’s pilgrimage from Rome to Jerusalem in search for the cross where Jesus was crucified. Her son Constantine, the first emperor of the Holy Roman empire, believed the cross was the cause of his victory.
SCEI Vice President for Visual Arts Elaine Rojas Villar and Anna Liza del Rosario Sia were the event’s Hermanas Mayores.
Biblical characters In Sunday’s procession, 33 Biblical characters were portrayed by the participants.
Some of the biblical characters explained in the program distributed for the event were:
The “Banderadas” which was portrayed by two young girls carrying white and yellow flags that symbolized the arrival of Christianity.
The character of Methusala, a man with a beard, is holding a cane. and portrayed the reminder that “all that glitters are like dust.”
“Dalagang Bukid,” was portrayed by a woman in a simple dress to represent Filipina beauty and purity, while “La Divina Pastora” held a shepherd’s staff and personified the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fe, the Queen of Faith carried a cross that symbolized the virtue of Faith. Ezperanza, Queen of Hope, carried an anchor; while Caridad, Queen of Charity, carried a red heart.
Reina De Madre, walked with a basket of fruits that symbolized the blessed fruit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Hagar, was personified by a woman clad in gold Egyptian costume carrying a jug, representing the old law and all those who were enslaved by it.
Queen of Sheba was there, too. In the Bible she came all the way from Arabia to visit Solomon. During the parade, she carried a Bible.
Reina Justicia was blindfolded and holding the scales of justice.
Judith, was represented by a lady holding a bloodied sword and the head of Holofernes. She represented the victory of good over evil.
Sentenciada escorted by two soldiers, symbolized the innocent people who were convicted. Following her was Esther, the Queen of Persia, who carried a scepter.
Ruth, was personified by a woman carrying rice stalks which symbolized fidelity to faith. Next to her was Rebecca, a courageous woman in the Bible, was seen holding a glass of wine symbolizing humility in service.
Deborah, a military advisor in the Bible, was represented by a woman carrying a crown and scepter symbolizing obedience in the Lord.
La Samaritana, was portrayed by a woman carrying a pail of water that represents Jesus Christ who identified Himself as the “water that turns into a spring welling up to eternal life.”
Veronica, was personified by a woman carrying a veil printed with the face of Christ. Next was Maria Salome, who was among the women who witnessed the crucifixion of Christ. In the procession, she held an incense burner.
Maria Magdalena was portrayed by a woman who carried a bottle of perfume. The women of Jerusalem were portrayed by four women.
Empress Helena, was dressed in a golden brown gown accompanied by her consort clad in a barong. With them was Constantino, the son of Empress Helena, who was portrayed by a boy with a small sword hanging from his waist.
San Macario, was portrayed by a man wearing a bishop costume. In the Bible, San Macario accompanied Helena for the search of the cross.
Seven ladies carrying different symbols such dice on a plate, pieces of silver, an image of rooster, spear, nails, label of INRI, a crown of thorns, were the representation of the passion and death of Jesus.
Twelve little angels clad in their usual white gowns and feathered wings completed the cast. Next to them were the carousel of Mother Dela Rosa and a big cross.
Neighborhood event
Laya explained that the Santa Cruz De Mayo, or the Santacruzan, started just in the neighborhood, where young boys and girls reenacted the finding of the true cross where Jesus Christ was crucified by parading around the neighborhood.
It was an event that closed the month of May when children would attend the Flores de Mayo ceremonies in a village chapel or a parish church. The ceremony involved the recitation of the Holy Rosary and the offering of flowers to the image of Mother Mary. (With a report from Vanne Elaine Terrazola)