Filipinos likes fiestas. They are celebrated all-year round. All over the country, especially in the summer months, May is the merriest and the most beautiful month of the year. It is the season of colorful festivals and Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan is one such festival. Stop and smell the roses. During the month of May, in the tropical islands of the Philippines, we don't have to stop -- the fragrance of flowers floats in the air. When the rains begin to pour after a long dry spell, flowers magically bloom overnight. And being predominantly Catholic, the Filipinos celebrate the beneficial rains by giving praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The townfolk gather the colorful flowers to decorate the Parish Church altars and aisles. They bundle the blooms in exotic arrangements for the many different festivities all together referred to as the "Flores De Mayo" (Flowers of May). Many towns celebrate Flores De Mayo with the community congregating in the afternoons to pray the rosary, offer flowers to the Virgin Mary, and share homemade delicacies and snacks. Children and adults wearing their Sunday best sing and dance to welcome the rains that will water the new crops.
Santacruzan is held annually in the warm month of May and is considered to be the "Queen of Filipino Festivals". Beautiful town belles are selected to participate in this colorful pageant parade. The stars are selected not for their looks alone, but for their embodiment of traditional feminine qualities. It is a week-long street pageant in almost every town; from the dirt road barrio to the metropolis honoring beautiful Philippine maidens and their handsome escorts under the hand-carried bamboo arc’s decorated by fragrant native flowers.
May is also the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Christ. Filipinos turn each of the 31 days in May into a charming honor to the virginal virtues in Flores de Mayo, the flowers of May fiesta. Spiritual virtue searches to reach even the young. Every day in May, children, with cut flowers and baskets of petals in hand, march down the church center aisle. As the children march down the aisle they sprinkle the fragrant petals for Mama Mary. This custom is called alay sa Birhen. In Filipino, because it is an offering (alay) to the virgin (birhen), at the main altar, the youngsters sing hymns to Lady Immaculate, and leave their bouquet of flowers loose and dethroned.
Sustantivo de Santa Cruz
Viejo Matusalen (Methuselah) – an old bearded man riding in a pushcart and looking preoccupied with toasting grains of sand, stones and ashes in a huge pan over a fire. This is a reminder that all that glitters will end up like what he is toasting. He symbolizes longevity.
Reina de las Banderas/Reina Banderada (Queen of the Flags) – a young lady that bears the national emblems of the Philippines, Vatican City and Spain that symbolizes the arrival of Catholicism in the Philippines through the efforts of the Spanish Crown. She is dressed in a long red gown (sometimes a dress having the design of the Philippine flag) and carries a yellow triangular flag (sometimes the Philippine flag). She personifies Inang Bayan.
Aetas (Negritos) – they depict the situation of the indigenous people before the rediscovery of the Philippines. Aetas cover their skin with dark paint and temporary tattoo, wear native Aeta accessories and carry sport hunting tools like bow and arrow. They symbolize the state of the country before the coming of Christianity. They are the unconverted Filipino pagans and the native black people.
Maria Clara – she is a character from the novels of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and the El Filibusterismo. She symbolizes the good values and characteristics of female Filipinos. She is fully dressed in Maria Clara attire and carries a Spanish-styled folding fan.
Daragang Magayon – she is the heroin in the legend of Mt. Mayon. She symbolizes the beauty of the female Filipinos. She carries a native fan made from anahaw leaf called abaniko.
Dalagang Bukid (Ladies of the Field) – three ladies who carry indigenous bilao heaving with fruits, vegetables and flowers which represents the abundant yield of farmlands during the month of May. They are fully dressed in Balintawak attire and motions as if bringing provisions to the farmers. They symbolize the typical barrio maidens.
Virtudes Cardinales (Cardinal Virtues):
Reina Mora (Queen of the Moors) – she symbolizes the dominant religion before the advent of Christianity in the Philippines, the Muslim (Islam) religion. She wears Islamic clothing like hijab and abaya. She personifies the cardinal virtue of fortitude.
Reina de la Justicia (Queen of Justice) – she is the personification of the Mirror of Justice. She carries a sword on one hand and a weighing scale on the other. She has her eyes covered as a symbol of equality of all individuals in the realm of law. She is one of the four personifications of the cardinal virtue of justice.
Reina de los Abogados/Reina Abogada (Queen of the Lawyers) – she carries the book of law in her right hand which symbolizes that the Word of God is the sole guiding principle of all laws. She wears an academic gown and mortarboard (academic cap) to signify her proficiency and competence to defend the poor and the oppressed. She is one of the four personifications of the cardinal virtue of justice.
Reina Sentenciada (Queen of the Convicted and Sentenced) – her slim hands are in fetters of iron. She symbolizes the innocents who has been convicted and sentenced to death. She wears a blindfold and being accompanied by two Roman Soldiers. She is one of the four personifications of the cardinal virtue of justice.
Reina Condenada (Queen of the Condemned) – largely discredited by modern scholars has it that she is Judith sentenced for Holofernes’ decapitation. She symbolizes the depressed that has been condemned guilty and she has not been in a peaceful mind. She is portrayed to be crying and out of her mind. She is last personification of the cardinal virtue of justice.
Reina Ester (Queen Esther) – the Jewish woman who saved her people faced with annihilation through the intervention with King Xerxes. She symbolizes delicate balancing act between the ruling people. She carries an imposing scepter capped with the Star of David. She personifies the cardinal virtue of prudence.
Reina Judit (Queen Judith) – her beauty coupled by her boldness won for her the trust of the assaulting general. She enters their camp, beheads Holofernes and brings his head home to Bethulia. She carries in her right hand a blade and a man’s head on the other. She symbolizes of the Jewish people who overcame their formidable enemy because of their trust in God. She personifies the cardinal virtue of temperance.
Reina de la Libertad (Queen of Liberty) – she stands for freedom and sovereignty. She carries a lighted torch on one hand and a book on the other. She personifies the cardinal virtue of liberty.
Virtudes Teologales (Theological Virtues):
Reinas Fe, Esperanza y Caridad (Queens of Faith, Hope and Charity) – they were the daughters of Sophia, a widow in Rome. They suffered martyrdom during Hadrian’s persecution of Christians. They carry a cross, an anchor, and a heart, respectively. They personify the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.
Old Testament Times:
Reina de Saba (Queen of Sheba) – she is described to visit King Solomon. She came to 'test him with hard questions' - she wanted to know whether he was really as wise as they said he was. Posterity has remembered her for the rich gifts she brought with her: spices, gold and precious stones - gifts that lend her a kind of oriental exoticism. In medieval Christianity she is part of the legend of the true cross. She carries a jewelry box or a golden vessel packed with jewels.
Miriam – she is a prophetess and the sister of Moses and Aaron. She carries a tambourine that symbolizes leadership.
Debora (Deborah) – she is the only female judge in the Ancient Israel. She carries a scroll of law that symbolizes just decision.
Rahab – she is the prostitute who helped the spies send by Joshua. She carries a red cord that symbolizes helpfulness.
Ruth y Naomi (Ruth and Naomi) – the Book of Ruth tells the story about a Hebrew woman named Naomi and her daughter-in-law named Naomi who was living during the period of the judges prior to the establishment of the monarchy. They carry a cluster or sheaf of wheat or grain that symbolizes the unity within a family.
Delilah – the woman in the valley of Sorek that Samson loved which caused his downfall. She carries a pair of scissors and cut hairs of Samson that symbolizes betrayal.
New Testament Epoch:
Santa Photina de Samaria/Samaritana (Lady Samaritan) – the woman from Sychar with whom Jesus talked at the well. She carries a jug of water.
Santa Veronica (Saint Veronica) – the woman of Jerusalem who wiped the face of Christ with a veil while he was on the way to Calvary. According to tradition, the cloth was imprinted with the image of Christ's face. She carries a bandana imprinted with the face of the Christ.
Santas Maria y Marta de Betania (Saint Mary and Saint Martha of Bethany) – Mary and Martha lived with their brother Lazarus at Bethany, a village not far from Jerusalem. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to Him while her sister Martha busied herself with preparing food and waiting on the guests, and when Martha complained, Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part. On the basis of these incidents, many Christian writers have seen Mary as representing Contemplation (prayer and devotion), and Martha as representing Action (good works, helping others); or love of God and love of neighbor respectively. Mary carries a bottle of wine and Martha carries a basket of bread.
Santa Maria Juana (Saint Mary Jacobe) – she was the wife of Chuza, steward of King Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee. She was one of the women who helped provide for Jesus and the apostles, and one of the very few who discovered the empty tomb of Jesus on the first Easter morning. She carries a bunch of broomsticks.
Santa Maria Salome, Madre de Santiago y Juan (Saint Mary Salome, Mother of James and John) – according to the medieval Golden Legend, the Virgin's mother, St. Anne, was married three times and bore two other daughters named Mary. Mary Salome was the wife of Zebedee and mother of apostles James and John (therefore, our Lord’s cousins). She was present during the crucifixion and was one of the women who discovered the empty tomb of his nephew. She carries a thurible where incense is burned.
Santa Maria Cleofe (Saint Mary Cleofe) – she was also a part of Jesus’ extended family. She was the Blessed Mother’s sister along with Mary Salome. She was the wife of Clopas and mother of James the younger. She was also present during the crucifixion and accompanied Mary Magdalene to the tomb of Christ on the first Easter. She carries a lamp of oil.
Santa Maria Magdalena (Saint Mary Magdalene/Saint Mary of Magdala) – a woman from Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee near Tiberias. She became a follower of Christ. Most scholars contend that she was the most important woman disciple in the movement of Jesus. Tradition has labeled her a prostitute, but there is nothing in the Bible to support this view and much to dispute it. She was identified with the sinful woman who anointed Christ's feet at the house of Simon the Pharisee. She carries a bottle of perfume.
Santa Maria, Madre de Cristo (Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ) – the Blessed Virgin Mary of Galilee was chosen by the Holy Spirit to become the mother of the Redeemer. She carries a handkerchief that symbolizes the cloth that she used to wrap the infant Christ.
Arma Christi (Relics of the Passion):
Cross on which Jesus was crucified (True Cross), either depicted alone or with the crosses of the two thieves.
Crown of Thorns.
Pillar (Column) where Jesus was whipped in the Flagellation of Christ.
Scourge, in Germany often birches, used for the 39 lashes.
Holy Sponge set on a reed, with which gall and vinegar were offered to Jesus.
Holy Lance with which a Roman soldier inflicted the final of the Five Wounds in his side.
Nails, inflicting four wounds on the hands and feet
Reed which was placed in Jesus' hand as a sceptre in mockery.
Purple Robe of mockery.
Titulus Crucis, attached to the Cross. It may be inscribed in Latin (INRI, Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum), Greek, Hebrew, or some other language.
Holy Grail, the chalice used by Jesus at The Last Supper, and which some traditions sayJoseph of Arimathea used to catch his blood at the crucifixion.
Seamless Robe of Jesus.
Dice with which the soldiers cast lots for Christ's seamless robe.
Rooster that crowed after Peter's third denial of Jesus.
Vessel used to hold the gall and vinegar.
Ladder used for the Deposition, i.e. the removal of Christ's body from the cross for burial.
Hammer used to drive the nails into Jesus' hands and feet.
Pincers used to remove the nails.
Myrrh, used to anoint the body of Jesus, either by Joseph of Arimathea or by the myrrh-bearers.
Shroud used to wrap the body of Jesus before burial.
Sun and Moon, representing the eclipse which occurred during the Passion.
Thirty Pieces of Silver (Money Bag), the price of Judas' betrayal.
Hand which slapped Jesus' face.
Chain (Cords) which bound Jesus overnight in prison.
Lantern (Torches) used by the arresting soldiers at the time of the betrayal, as well as their swords and staves.
Sword used by Peter to cut off the ear of the High Priest's servant. Sometimes a human ear is also represented.
Santas Virgenes y Viudas (Virgen and Widow Saints):
Santa Ana (Saint Anne) – she is the mother of Blessed Virgin Mary. She is accompanied by a young girl that symbolizes Mary, mother of Christ.
Santa Ines (Saint Agnes) – she carries a lamb.
Santa Cecilia (Saint Cecile) – she carries a harp.
Santa Catalina (Saint Catherine) – she carries a wooden breaking wheel.
Santa Anastasia (Saint Anastasia) – she carries a medicine pot.
Santa Joan d’Arc (Saint Joan of Arc) – a courageous young lady that lead an army of believers to numerous victories. She symbolizes the virtue of courage and bravery. She carries a sword.
Santa Bernadette (Saint Bernadette) – she carries a rosary that symbolizes the time that she saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in a grotto.
Madre Teresa (Mother Theresa) – she carries a tray of fruits that symbolizes the charity works that she has done to the poor.
Historical Figures:
Prinsesa Diana de Wales (Princess Diana of Wales) – she wears a modern casual gown. Her highness symbolizes nobility.
Reina Maria Antonita (Queen Mary Antoinette) – a queen of France and Navarre and was married to Louis XVI of France. She wears a French gown and a diamond necklace.
Reina Cleopatra (Queen Cleopatra) – a historical queen of Egypt and became the wife of Mark Anthony. She symbolizes richness and wealth. She wears an Egyptian costume and a headdress bedecked by beads and pearls.
Marian Titles:
Ave Maria – represented by eight young girls all wearing long white dresses with wings to make them look like angels. Each one carries a letter to complete the word “AVE MARIA”.
Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess) – she wears a big sombrero and carries a shepherdess’ staff and a lamb that symbolizes Mary as the mother of Christ, the Lamb of God.
Sedes Sapientiae (Seat of Wisdom) – she carries a bible that symbolizes the words of wisdom.
Rosa Mystica (Mystical Rose) – she carries a bouquet of roses that symbolizes the immaculate heart of Mary.
Janua Caeli (Gate of Heaven) – she carries a key that symbolizes the entrance of heaven.
Stella Matutina (Morning Star) – she carries a star that symbolizes the royal crown of Mary.
Reina Infantas (Queen of Infants) – she carries a child that symbolizes Christ, the Redeemer.
Reina de los Pescadores (Queen of the Fishers) – she carries in her right hand a cluster of newly caught fish suspended on strings and a fishing net in the other that symbolizes fishers’ thanks-giving for their good harvest.
Reina de la Selva (Queen of the Woods and Forest) – locally known as Diwata or Devata, she is the custodian of the woods and all its inhabitants. She carries a twig enhanced with fresh green leaves. Small birds or butterflies can help augment her twig-scepter too.
Reina de las Estrellas (Queen of the Stars) – she carries a wand with a star situated on its end that symbolizes one of the three major elements of the heavens, the stars.
Reina de Luna (Queen of the Moon) – she carries as a sceptre bejewelled with a crescent moon that symbolizes the moon and its power over the seas and oceans.
Reina del Sol (Queen of the Sun) – she carries a wand capped with the emblem of the sun that symbolizes the sun which represents supremacy and physical strength and power over all creations.
Reina del Mundo (Queen of the World) – she carries a globe that symbolizes the physical world of the livings.
Reina del Cielo (Queen of Heaven) – she carries a crown and being accompanied by two little angels.
Reina Dolorosa (Queen of Sorrows) – she wears a veil and a dark-colored dress and carries a heart pierced by seven swords that symbolizes the seven sorrows of Mary.
Reina Candelaria (Queen of Candles) – she carries a long lit candle that symbolizes Christ, the light.
Reina del Rosario (Queen of the Rosary) – she carries a big rosary that symbolizes the mysteries in the life of Christ.
Reina de la Paz (Queen of Peace) – she carries a dove that symbolizes peace.
Reina de las Virgenes (Queen of the Virgins) – she carries a lily and also escorted by two little angels that symbolizes virginity.
Reina de los Confesores (Queen of the Confessors) – she carries a lamp with purple candle that symbolizes confession.
Reina de los Martires (Queen of the Martyrs) – she carries a palm branch that symbolizes martyrdom.
Reina de los Apostoles (Queen of the Apostles) – she carries a replica of the Vatican Church that symbolizes the apostles and priesthood.
Reina de los Profetas (Queen of the Prophets) – she carries an hourglass that symbolizes the prophets.
Reina de los Patriarcas (Queen of the Patriarchs) – she carries a cornucopia or the horn of plenty and a staff that symbolizes the patriarchs.
Reina de los Angeles (Queen of the Angels) – a winged lady and being surrounded by two little angels.
Reina de las Flores (Queen of Flowers) – she carries a bouquet of flowers that symbolizes femininity.
Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) – girls wearing white dresses that carries baskets of flowers.
Reina de Mayo (Queen of May) – she symbolizes the month of May. She carries a bouquet of mayflower.
Triumph of Christendom:
Reina Sofia (Queen of Wisdom) – the mother of Fe, Esperanza and Caridad. She died three days after the martyrdom of her daughters while praying at their graves. She carries an owl that symbolizes wisdom.
Reina Enferma (Queen of Infirmity) – she symbolizes the miracles that transpired which led to the identification of Jesus’ cross. She carries a crutch that symbolizes infirmity.
Emperador Maxencio (Emperor Maxentuis) – he was the nemesis of Constantine the Great in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. Constantine won the battle and become the sole ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the battle. He wears a complete gladiator outfit.
San Macario de Jerusalen (Saint Macario of Jerusalem) – he was the Bishop of Jerusalem from 312 – 334. Tradition ascribes to him a part in finding the true cross. According to Paulinus of Nola, he was the one who instructed that the three crosses unearthed in Jerusalem be brought to contact with the body of a dead man; the cross that restored life to the body could then be identified as the true cross of Christ. He wears a complete papal outfit.
Reina Elena y Constantino Magno (Queen Helena and Constantine the Great) – in Vita Constantini, Eusebius maintains that at high noon, before the battle, Constantine and his army, while he was praying to the God of his father, saw a cross over the sun with the inscription In Hoc Signo Vinces (In this sign, you shall conquer). That night, Christ appeared to Him and told him to print the cross on the shields of his soldiers. His victory over Maxentius’ army led him to conversion. Her empress mother Saint Helen made one of the first pilgrimages to the Holy Land where she unearthed the relics of the passion and the true cross of Christ. Elena carries a wooden cross (without the corpus). Constantine the Great is dressed in prince’s clothes and carries a parchment in his hand that inscribes, “Edictum Mediolanense” (Edict of Milan).
Reina Emperatriz (Queen Empress) – Helena was just a poor servant girl who became the concubine of Constantius Chlorus, was abandoned for political reasons, but was named Augusta by her son, Constantine the Great at the beginning of his reign. Being the legendary founder of the true cross of Christ, she is hailed by the whole Christendom for her deed. She wears a long red cape and carries an orb.
