For 117th Philippine Independence Day, we have partnered with the The Next Escape for a giveaway contest featuring Art Jewelry inspired by Philippine Festivals. Here are the three pieces that I personally made specifically for this project.
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| This Art Jewelry is inspired by the Sto. Nino's clothing that bursts with the colors of red and gold accented with silver. |
The Sinulog Festival is a
festival that commemorates the Philippines acceptance of Christianity at the
dawn of the Spanish colonial period. The feast honors the “Santo Nino” or the
Christ Child, and shows the combination of the Philippines past worship of
nature to being incorporated to monotheistic faith.
Though the festival of the
Christ Child is recognized in all parts of the nation, the celebrations are
mostly centered in the Visayas, namely Cebu City. The first Sinulog parade was
in 1980, and was institutionalized as a provincial event the year after. Today,
Cebu City and representatives from different provinces oversees the nine-day
celebration. Highlights of the festivities include a 12-hour street parade,
dances, and processions.
Named after the Cebuano word
meaning “current-like movement” dancing has been the lifeblood of Philippine
culture even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Fittingly, as its namesake of
moving like water suggests, there is a sizable dance competition centered on
the Sinulog festival. Contingents from all over the country compete in three
different categories ranging from modern to historical and ritualistic dance.
The final day of the
celebration ends with the Sinulog Grand Parade. A day before the parade, there
is a religious held at dawn with a statue of the Santo Niño carried on a
beautifully decorated boat. The boat is decorated with hundreds of flowers and
candles. As part of the procession, the
boat will sail from Mandaue City to Cebu, ending with a re-enactment of the
first baptisms. A more solemn procession will then take place along the major
streets of Cebu City afterwards, and will be attended by thousands of devotees.
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| I worked around neutral colors for this necklace that represents the "Pintados" native warriors whose bodies were covered in tattoos. |
The Pintados Festival is a
month-long festival held in June, in the town of Tacloban, Leyte. The festival
recalls the pre-Spanish colonial period of the natives, most notably the
Visayan warriors “the Pintados”. These warriors were tattooed from nearly head
to foot, as a symbol of victory and prowess in battle. Tattoos also symbolized
a warrior’s rank and social status.
A display of rich cultural
heritage can be seen in the form of idol-worship, indigenous music, and epic
stories. During the festival, dancers’ entire bodies are painted in an
explosion of color and the streets are filled with dancing. Various towns and
municipalities show off traditional dances, and act out dance dramas from
traditional stories. Each story is unique, and speaks of the history of
varyious origins. For an entire month, these people are all united through
sharing their unique culture in one big joyful celebration.
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The neutral colors for this art jewelry represents the somber ambience that's expected to be observed during the feast.
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Feast of the Black Nazarene
Every 9th of January millions of Filipino devotees flock to the Quiapo district to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene. Carved by an unknown Mexican artist, the statue of the black Christ is paraded before a crowd of millions. The artist depicts the relic in a genuflecting position to symbolize Christ’s suffering for the sins of humanity, as he flogged while carrying a cross towards his crucifixion. The statue is adorned in an intricately embroidered maroon tunic, with gold thread and lace trimmings forming floral patterns and plant emblems.
The statue of the Black Nazarene carriage is called the Ándas, for the Spanish word “to move forward”. Traditionally only men were allowed to become bearers of the carriage, pulling along the statue with two large ropes. However, in recent years female devotees have been allowed to also become bearers, to show that each is equal before the eyes of the Lord. There is a belief that the rope used on the right shoulder-side the statue is sacred, as it is believed that Jesus used his right shoulder to bear the tremendous weight of his cross.
As the statue of the Black Nazarene’s procession winds the streets of Manila, devotees from the crowd risk getting trampled in order to be able to touch this four hundred year old statue. Those who can’t get close enough hand over pieces of cloth to the bearers, who wipe the statue with them, as a reenactment of Mary Magdalene’s act of compassion during Jesus’ crucifixion. It is believed that these pieces of cloth become blessed, and that the favor of God will at least rub off on the items.
This religious tradition is perhaps the most deeply rooted religious feast among Filipinos, who struggle from poverty and challenges on a daily basis. The procession lasts for nearly 24 hours, and has become a big attraction for pilgrims, tourists, and religious devotees alike.
