Domingo de Ramos - Palm Sunday



In Spanish, there is a word -- "ramoso", an adjective that describes a plant or a tree full of branches or abounding with twigs. One can even translate it with the words 'twiggy", "branchy". The Spanish word "ramo" (branch) standing as its noun. But for Filipinos, if we then shift to the plural form "ramos", it creates a different bang, as people will relate it to surnames and personalities.

Actually, the Spanish, "Domingo de Ramos", and even the Tagalog "Linggo ng Palaspas" are terms, too generic, merely mentioning branches, etc. With the English "Palm Sunday", attention of course focuses then more on a branch of palm trees. It also highlights the meaning of palm branches, that Semitic and Middle Eastern tradition of offering it as a symbol of peace, triumph, renewal, and happiness. Hosanna!

In the Pigafetta account of Magellan's voyage, with its original Italian title "Relazione del primo Viaggio intorno al mondo", the chronicler wrote about a tree which he termed as: "cochi".-- the fruit which the palm trees bear." Pigafetta went on: " And as we have bread, wine, oil, and vinegar, proceeding from different kinds, so these people have those things proceeding from these palm trees only."

Incidentally, we also call the coconut tree "the tree of life", one of the very first unique things mentioned in the chronicling of our homeland.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal's Batman

Image
   Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez (1849-1928) Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, held a special place in Rizal's heart as his favorite teacher at Ateneo, where the priest taught Literature. It was under Fr. Sanchez's guidance that the young Rizal delved into the treasures of Greek and Latin Classics. The priest's encouragement led Rizal to hone his literary talents, engaging in the crafting of essays and poetry. The relationship between mentor and student was characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Father Sanchez even staunchly defended Rizal's work, 'Noli Me Tangere.' However, in a letter to Blumentritt dated May 1890, Rizal shared a nuanced description of the priest: "Father Sanchez is a keen observer, albeit somewhat pessimistic, often inclined to view the darker aspects of life. During our school days, he was often playfully referred to as a 'dark spirit,' and students affectionately nicknamed him 'Paniki,' a...
Read more

Jose Rizal's Bomb Plot

Image
Victorian lamp The Plot Even before international terrorists adopted the horrific tactics of suicide bombers and bomb couriers in their campaigns of vengeance, Philippine national hero José Rizal conceived a plot in his novel El Filibusterismo that involved a catastrophic explosion to ignite a revolution. In Chapters 34 and 35, Simoun arrives at the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez bearing a seemingly innocuous gift – a lamp. However, concealed within it is a potent explosive: nitroglycerin. The reception takes place at the former residence of the deceased Captain Tiago, which Simoun has meticulously rigged with explosives beforehand. According to his plan, the lamp will remain lit for only twenty minutes before flickering. If anyone attempts to adjust the wick, a catastrophic explosion will ensue, claiming the lives of all those gathered – a significant portion of Manila's elite, including prominent figures from both civil society and the church hierarch...
Read more

Pinagbuhatan Fiesta -- San Sebastián

Image
Every year on January 20, the typically monotonous streets of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in the City of Pasig transform themselves into a vibrant place of merrymaking and festivities. The focal point of the Mardi Gras-like atmosphere in the barangay is always the parish church, as January 20 marks the feast day of its revered patron saint—San Sebastian. "Viva San Sebastian!" At the break of dawn on the said day, brass bands parade the streets, as if calling the people to start the festivities—the traditional early morning rounds called "djana" (or diana to some bands). Now and then, that heroic sound of martial music would be broken by the distant sounds of exploding fireworks. The formal celebration starts with the morning mass officiated by the parish priest. In truth, the building excitement would not be found inside the church where mass is being held but instead outside. In the church grounds, the brewing festivities heat up. People gather outside, young and old ali...
Read more