Babang Luksa: 1st Death Anniversary Prayers for the Dead

When death of a loved one strikes a family, there are prayers offered for the dead that includes the pasiyam, 40 days, and the so called babang luksa offered on the first death anniversary of the departed.

With the pasiyam and forty days prayer for the dead, there are conflicting traditions on the actual start of counting of days reckoned from the actual date of death but for the babang luksa, no debate is necessary as it's celebrated one year from the date of departure.



In Tutubi's place in Quezon City, the babang luksa is celebrated similarly to the forty days where prayers for the dead are recited then food is offered to the image of the departed loved one followed by meals shared by the family and the "prayer warriors."

If the pasiyam is intended to make the departed aware of his death, the forty days prayers to mark his spirit leaving this world, the babang luksa signals the end of mourning for the bereaved, thus the name babang luksa, when family members can now enjoy, be happy and move on.

The three prayers for the dead are part of Filipino Catholic tradition. They're recited by "oldies" in town who happen to hold a monopoly of the "trade" and you can't question their authority on the subject as they also inject lots of superstitious beliefs in the process.

Tutubi just went with the flow...

Related Post:
Burial Traditions and Superstitions