Filipino Family Traditions that are Too Good to be True – You Need to Know Them!
If you want to define the Philippines in two words, then nothing is better than ‘culture’ and ‘tradition’ to depict its true colors. Visiting the Philippines is just like taking a dip into the untouched beauty of culture. Because that is what the Philippines is all about: A place splashed by the mesmerizing colors of cultures and traditions that are sprinkled in every aspect of the lives of Filipinos. Starting from their festivals, celebrations to their eating habits, everything is just so inspiring and spectacular. And their family life is also not an exception!
Filipino’s family tradition is so enriched and closely knitted that you can feel the love and affection oozing out from the way they live and treat their family. And believe me, some of their traditions are so good that the rest of the world needs to learn from them.
Here are some Filipino family traditions you need to know:
Extended Family is not External
Family is taken as a foundation that builds the social structure of society. If the foundation is not good, the structure wouldn’t be great – that’s Filipinos theory. And that’s the reason why Filipinos give so much significance to the family bond, which is extended to the external family as well. Youngsters are encouraged to give respect and significance to their aunts and uncles. In fact, neighbors and close friends are also considered as part of the family. And that’s such a beautiful feeling to have people around you who love, care, and respect you. You don’t feel lost in such a big world – right?
They Abide by their Duties
Filipinos have a strong sense of responsibility and duties. If you are a member of a family, you are obliged to uphold some duties – and Filipinos actually fulfill them! They don’t forget their family back at home, even if they live abroad. They send money to Philippines to support their family financially and try to be with them on every special occasion, like New Year and Christmas. Even if they can’t be with them due to any reason, they do send gifts for their family to remind them that they remember and miss them. After all, family lives in the core of their heart!
Filial Piety is a Thing Here
Unlike western culture, the Philippines’ families believe in the concept of Filial piety. According to that, the young generation must take care of their elderly relatives rather than abandoning them in old homes. In fact, they take it so seriously to serve older people, like grandmother and grandfather, that it seems they have taken vows with them to stay together “in sickness and in health, till death do us part”.
So, when aging hits Filipinos, they don’t have to worry about their future because they know that there would be people ready to take care of them.
Hierarchy is Important
A proper hierarchy governs Filipinos’ family structure, and elders rule this hierarchy. Elders are not only respected, but younger family members also give significance to their opinions and decisions. Even if the elders become old and feeble, they retain their authority, and their respect is still the obligation of other family members. This isn’t a written rule or part of the constitution, obviously, but love and respect are what trigger the younger generation to respect elders’ opinions, no matter what. And that’s what keeps Filipino families bonded and together.
These are a few traditions that are knitted in the fabric of the Filipinos’ families. They depict that the Filipino family structure is a beautiful amalgamation of love, respect and care for each other. And they are just too good to be true – no?
