Salubong

Salubong is a religious tradition celebrated in the Philippines, particularly on the eve of Easter Sunday. The term "Salubong" translates to "meeting" in English, and the ritual enacts the joyful reunion of the resurrected Jesus Christ with his mother, the Virgin Mary.

The event typically takes place at dawn. Two separate processions begin from different points in a town or barrio. One procession carries an image of the sorrowful Mary, veiled in black, representing her grief after the crucifixion. The other procession carries the image of the Risen Christ, adorned in white or gold.

The two processions converge at a designated spot, often a town plaza or a churchyard. Here, a young girl, representing an angel and dressed in white, descends from a makeshift structure, often a bamboo arch or a tall platform. The angel removes Mary's black veil, symbolizing her transition from mourning to joy upon learning of her son's resurrection.

Following this symbolic unveiling, the music shifts from somber to festive, and the processions then proceed together towards the church for a Mass celebrating the resurrection. Salubong is a significant cultural and spiritual observance, highlighting themes of hope, faith, and maternal love. It is a vibrant display of Filipino Catholic devotion and a cherished part of the Lenten season's culmination.