Creep Factor

Chinese memorials have always been very intricate. From the old traditions to the superstitions that one has to follow, all of these are passed on culture from one generation to another. But more important, this incorporates into its very nature religion and mysticism. For lack of better word, I am using mysticism because the play of nature and time is very crucial to get desired effects. This concept is more popularly termed as fung shui (or wind and water).

To those familiar with the concept of fung shui, there's a special time to do all things. This follows looking at directions, birth signs, time of the day and what can and can't be done on the same day. Even the personalities involved have to be carefully factored and thought about. If one of the items were not followed, potentially, something bad is going to happen.

This afternoon, I attended a memorial / burial rite as a sign of respect to the elders of my aunt. This all happened in a jiff since I wasn't aware of the burial date. I was a distant relative. In anycase, I accompanied my mom.

True to fashion, we were already rushing to the funeral parlor as the rite was already about the start. By rite, I meant taking the kabaong out of the room going into the car. Now, this is very interesting. If you've seen Mano Po, they've already underlined this part before. Cogie Domingo was in the same scene on the first installment.

This whole thing starts off with the "mosiko" playing really loud music to call the spirit of the dead relative. Then the whole family and attendees will light an incense and say their last word and pay their last respects. Then the family goes around the kabaong IN ONE DIRECTION only. It is believed that when you go back you will be next. And by next, ikaw na ang iniikutan.

Now the association guys or the masons or whoever is assigned will take the body out of the funeral room. Take note, at this point, timing has to be very precise. At my lolo's memorial, we had to be out by 10AM. Apparently, all the other rooms had to be out the same time too. Again, that day was a good day, and there was no better hour than 10AM. So timing has to be precise. Dapat, you will be first. So we had arranged a back door exit so we won't meet opposing traffic. At this point, also, all those who are of the unlucky and opposing signs must NOT look at the crypt being taken out. He also should not make salubong the crypt. So they are asked to step out of the room, and even the building to be sure.

After the crypt has been delivered to the car, together with the paper items as pa-baon, off you go to the street for the "death march" - for lack of better word. The eldest son of the family calls onto the name of the dead so he will follow the crypt. This will give you goose bumps since you're already out in the street, with matching "hao lam sa" or the sack clothes as sign of mourning. And everyone's holding on to a rope attached to the kabaong. This is showing last respects. Then at one point, you have to stop and get in the car and then the get off again when you're near the cemetery. Well, you do all this for "practical reasons" of being safe.

Anyway, going back to my kwento. We were kind of late. And me and mom were from the opposing signs. So we just stayed back and waited for the march to reach our area (where we were standing up). At this point, you need to hold on to an umbrella because it was too dang hot! Then we drove off to Chinese Cemetery in Blumentritt. Well, as explained to me, we were not supposed to join the libing but since nandun na rin kami, might as well. I was already saying good bye to my work out today. bUt still hoping i could do my other plans.

When we got Chinese, it was kind of drizzling na. But the sun was shining hard naman. Until we loaded off the crypt and deliver it to its final resting place. At this point, it was already raining. We had three umbrellas in the car. But i guess out of busyness and all, the relatives of the deadfolk forgot to bring umbrellas. We lent them two umbrellas while me, mom, my cousin Ericka and uncle shared one umbrella in the rain. Since we're from the opposing sign, we couldn't go near the grave. Instead, we viewed from afar where no tent was setup. As the final rites is about to finish, it was already thunderstorming. It was already making kidlat and kulog and the wind was getting stronger and stronger. Even the rain was blowing harding and the sky darker. I only had one thought in mind: regal shocker.

As she is put to rest, the rain and the wind and the thunder were getting heavier too. I don't know if that had any connection to the dead relative but you know, in my mind, feeling like i was in a scene of a movie, something eerie was taking place. hahaha.

Then the whole rite was finished. And so was my brand new white puma sneaks. we were too wet and cold when we got in the car. I was hoping we could go home already. but as they say in chinese, we have to finish the entire thing. so we had to go to Singguan temple in Narra St., Tondo, Manila to eat Misua for tsai ki or good luck.

At that point, the rain has stopped already. But it was just about to get creepier. I thought i saw the dead (as in yung kakalibing palang) eating with her relatives on the table. okay. wait. i am changing my mind. I will discontinue finishing this story na. I am sensing something while i type this. not good. i will just make kwento some other time. I need a good sleep tonight. I can;t be bothered by bad vibes.

anyway, yun lang. it never rained this hard since last year. I was just freaked that it had to be today. yun lang.

:P