During the month of May, Catholic Filipinos nationwide celebrate Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) to honor Mary, Mother of Jesus. As one of the most prominent Marian events, the faithful give their gratitude through the dressing and crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary along with prayers and flowers adorned as offerings. The month-long spiritual tradition, first introduced during the Spanish Era, is also acknowledged as the “Queen of Philippine Festivals” for the dedication of communities to guarantee its extravagance. To date, it’s most commonly associated with its celebration at the end of the month, the “Santacruzan.”  

Santacruzan

At a typical Santacruzan celebration, select individuals from the parish carry across in front of their procession. This act is commonly done to symbolize the torch that illuminates their path. In addition, every woman in the procession is dressed to portray a particular Reina (Queen). And while there are multiple queens, each with their own, respective consorts and symbols, the most notable one remains to be Reina Elena (Queen Helena of Constantinople), mother of Roman Emperor Constantine I.

Each year, the faithful recognize St. Helena for traveling to Mt. Calvary and searching for Jesus Christ’s real Cross, hence the origin of the festival “Santa Cruz” or Holy Cross. This act marks the beginning of Rome’s adoption of Christianity as its religion.  

Modified Flores de Mayo Celebrations

The annual Flores de Mayo traditions are usually celebrated in larger groups wherein communities pray the Rosary and sing songs. In some tight-knit communities, families take turns preparing agape (love) feasts. However, these festivities, along with a grandiose, Santacruzan aren’t possible given the quarantine and social distancing measures in place. Still, the faithful may continue to celebrate it in smaller groups with activities for catechists that are just as significant. For instance, the chaplaincy of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Eastern Samar had children offer flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary on an altar indoors. Likewise, the youth may also be tasked to lead the different daily mysteries of the Rosary as they begin to learn how to become prayer warriors in their own ways. Moreover, parents and guardians may lead bible storytelling sessions with their children to recall the life of Jesus.

This also helps Catholics keep traditions alive and reintroduce the religion to the younger generation And finally, as an alternative to attending a regular Mass, the faithful are encouraged to hear the Word of God during scheduled screenings online or via TV.  

Additional sources

• https://topten.ph/2017/03/22/what-does-flores-de-mayo-flowers-of-may-really-mean/
• https://stylistinpocket.com/blog/Culture_Flores_de_Mayo
• https://www.facebook.com/rapplerdotcom/photos/a.317154781638645/3388071351213624/?type=3&eid=ARAHQuqusnPkEBztTs5-wuMdfAVHdy3TMZzO7Cj8TXE6Ckkgmj4-aISiEN3x_wO6N_CV5XVH3gVE1nxp
• https://www.philippinedailymirror.com/rain-keeps-annual-santacruzan-indoor/
• https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/philippines/flores-de-mayo-and-santacruzan