Life and Culture - Santacruzan

Santacruzan

By: Chiqui Desphy

The Santacruzan is one of the Philippines’ most beautiful processions and is still actively held during the month of May. It is said that in  326 AD, Queen Helena and her son, the Emperor Constantine, left Rome to search for the Holy Cross on which Christ was nailed. She successfully found the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and brought it back to Rome.

The Santacruzan commemorates Queen Helena’s search for the Holy Cross and is the culmination of the Flores de Mayo. It is a month- long celebration in honour of the Virgin Mary. Biblical and historical characters populate the parade, with ladies in formal gowns (‘sagalas’) escorted by handsome men in Barong Tagalog, walking under beautifully decorated arches. Each Santacruzan is sponsored by a patron (Hermano Mayor) or patroness (Hermana Mayor).

The original order of the parade is led by Methuselah, a bearded old man, riding a cart and toasting grains of sand in a pan over a fire. He is a reminder that everything reverts back to ashes and dust. Reyna Banderada follows in a long red gown carrying a triangular flag. She embodies the coming of Christianity. The Aetas represent the unconverted pagans before the coming of Christianity. Reyna Mora represents the dominant Moro muslim religion before the advent of Christianity. Reyna Fe carries a cross and is the first of three  virtues. She is followed by Reyna Esperanza, carrying an anchor and by Reyna Caridad who carries a red heart. Reyna Abogada  symbolises the defender of the oppressed, wearing a black graduation cap and gown and carrying a big book. Reyna Sentenciada symbolises the innocents who have been wrongly convicted. Her hands are tied and she is flanked on both sides by soldiers. Reyna Justicia carries a set of scales and a sword, personifying justice. Reyna Judith represents Judith of Bethulia, who beheaded Holoferns, the cruel Assyrian general who laid siege to her town. She carries his head in one hand and a sword in another. Reyna Sheba carries a jewelry box. She visited King Solomon and was awed by his wisdom. Reyna Esther interceded with King Xerxes to spare her countrymen from death. She carries a scepter. Samaritana represents the woman who spoke to Christ at the well, with a jug on her shoulder. Veronica wiped Jesus’ face as he carried the cross. She displays a piece of cloth showing the three faces of Jesus. Tres Marias—Mary Magdalene (with a bottle of perfume); Mary the Mother of Christ (with a white handkerchief) and Mary the mother of James (with a bottle of oil).

Marian parade: the following represents the many titles of Mary: Ave Maria— each letter is carried by a little girl in an angel costume.

Divina Pastora carries a staff. Reyna de las Estrellas carries a wand topped with a star. Rosa Mystica carries a bouquet of roses. Reyna Paz carries a symbol of peace. Reyna de las Propetas carries an hourglass. Reyna del Cielo carries a flower and is flanked by two angels. Reyna de las Virgines carries a rosary and is flanked by two angels. Reyna de las Flores carries a bouquet of flowers.

The final ‘sagalas’, Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) is escorted by her prince, Constantine and she carries a cross, signifying her role as the founder of the true Cross. Right after the Reyna Elena is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, riding high on a carroza (coach) lavishly adorned with flowers.

The procession is followed by devotees, family and friends of the ‘sagalas’ holding lit candles while singing ‘Dios Te Salve’, often to the accompaniment of a rondalla (band). The procession’s final destination is usually the Hermano or Hermana Mayor’s residence where refreshments are served to all procession participants.