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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17304562144661730456242311.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/>Families continue to arrive at the Loyola Memorial Park to pay respects to their departed loved ones. <a href="https://web.facebook.com/hashtag/undas2024?__eep__=6&amp;__tn__=*NK*F"></a>Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News</div>In Filipino culture, Undas plays a significant role in combining celebration and remembrance.Families gather at graves or at their homes on All Saints&#x27; Day and All Souls&#x27; Day from October 31 to November 2 to commemorate their deceased loved ones by bringing food, flowers, and prayers.This tradition combines solemnity with joy as families clean graves, light candles, and prepare favorite dishes of the deceased. While children play nearby, elders set up altars or place candles on graves, preserving customs that have been passed down through generations.<div>Shared memories and connection</div>During this time, family members renew and recover by using common memories.They come together and relate their bygone days to loved ones. Some stories make one laugh while others result in tears by recalling painful times. This exchange of thought strengthens the feeling of unity, giving them the sense of belonging in their discovery that they are not alone in their grief.Flordeliza Suarez, who will be celebrating Undas for the first time at her husband&#x27;s grave after he died last year, shares what the occasion means to her this time around. &quot;Kakaiba ang taon na ito sapagkat ito ang unang taon na hindi na namin makakasama ang isang tao na mahal namin sa buhay at miyembro ng aming pamilya, ang aking asawa. Masakit man sa amin, ngunit kailangan namin masanay na wala na siya,&quot; she said.Suarez also shares how her family is honoring her husband&#x27;s memory this year. Despite the pain of loss, she explained that they are committed to continuing their traditions, though they may look different without her husband.&quot;Eto man ang unang pagkakataon na wala na ang asawa ko, kami ay dadalaw sa kaniyang puntod, mag-aalay ng bulaklak, magtitirik ng kandila, at mag-aalay ng mataimtim na dasal, kagaya ng aming ginagawa buwan-buwan simula ng mawala siya. At bago matapos ang araw ng Undas, kami ng mga anak namin ay magsasalo-salo, kagaya ng aming ginagawa nung nabubuhay pa siya. Wala man ang magarbong paggunita, ang importante ay lagi sila sa ating mga puso,&quot; she added.<div>Coping with grief</div>Undas also helps families in dealing with grief. It&#x27;s a celebration of life amid loss and creates scope for both mourning and joy.Families can find emotional support when they join each other to share meals and candles and reminisce about their loved ones.Dr. Ingrid Reyes, a psychologist and paralegal expert, shared advice for coping with grief, especially during significant times like Undas. &quot;Acceptance is crucial. It doesn&#x27;t mean you’re happy about the loss, but acknowledging the pain allows you to start moving forward,&quot; she explained.According to Reyes, one of the effective strategiesthat describe how to process emotions and seek solace is journaling. She emphasized the importance of talking to a counselor as having a quiet place in which one may reflect memories and accept pain.&quot;By coming together as a family, not only do you keep your loved one&#x27;s memory alive, but you also strengthen bonds, promoting emotional healing, and resilience,&quot; she added.Undas then became a bonding and healing time for family, where shared grief is transformed into an opportunity to unite as one. It is, for most, a reunion, where families reconnect not just with departed loved ones but also with each other.&quot;Undas is a reminder that even in sorrow, we find strength in our family and our traditions,&quot; Reyessaid.As we celebrate this meaningful occasion, let us remember that even in grief, there is comfort — and sometimes even joy — in coming together.

In Filipino culture, Undas plays a significant role in combining celebration and remembrance.

In Filipino culture, Undas plays a significant role in combining celebration and remembrance.

Mourning together, reuniting forever: How do we celebrate life amid loss?

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Mourning together, reuniting forever: How do we celebrate life amid loss?

ABS-CBN News Intern,

Imee Ferrer

Published Nov 01, 2024 06:18 PM PHT

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