“Obando Fertility Rites” free essay sample

The Obando Fertility Rites is a Filipino dance ritual. Wherein every year during the month of May there will be musical instruments made out ofbamboo materials, the men, women and children of Obando, Bulacanwear traditional dance costumes and then dance on the streets and form a religious processionfollowed by the images of their patron saints â€Å"San PascualBaylon†, Santa ClaraandOur Lady of Salambao , Most participants of the fertility dance ask the patron saints for a son, a daughter, a husband, a wife or good fortune. This is a three-day fiesta honoring the town’s patron saints. Each day is dedicated to a particular patron saint. St. Clare is the oldest patron saint of Obando, Bulacan. She has been considered the patron saint of good weather because her Spanish name meant the brightening of the skies after a season of storms, which later became the basis why the residents of Obando, Bulacan, believed in offering eggs at the base of the altar of St. We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"Obando Fertility Rites† or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Clare and then pray for good weather. Like St. Clare, St. Paschalwas introduced to Obando, Bulacan, he also became the patron saint of fertility, wealth and abundance. St. Paschals surname, Baylon, was taken to mean one who likes dancing, ultimately derived from theSpanish word bailar, the verb form of dance. On June 19, 1763, the image of Our Lady of Salambao was also introduced to Obando, Bulacan andwas place to the high altar of the Obando church and eventually became the patron saint of fishermen and of good harvest. The celebration begins with a concelebrated mass at the Obando Church around 7:00 am. The mass usually ends after an hour, then followed by the procession of the three saints and then the dancing of the devotees to thebeat of bamboo instruments with the tune of Santa Clara Pinung-Pino. This continues for the duration of the festival, with the image of the particular Patron Saint of the day leading the procession. After the procession, participants will return inside the church for the blessing from the parish priest. More dancing happens here and some devotees will share their stories on the miracle that this dancing fertility rite has given them. There will also be chance for you to kiss the relic of San PascualBaylon. Until now many Filipino devotees are still coming ang participating in this fertility rites and continues to pray and never lose hope.