Editorial

Dynamics of feast days

We in our geographical region markedly celebrate and commemorate three religious and historical events in the month of December. These are feast days and holidays for fitting observance of these dates.

        Last December 8 was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. To the Christians, this reflects a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The feast marks the continuity and strengthening of faith through her.   

        The yuletide season is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ set by the Church every December 25. In historical viewpoint, Christ is the founder of the religion of Catholicism which spread at an era when the Roman Empire was at its height and glory, though there were religious persecutions.

        Come December 19 is Shariff Kabunsuan Day which commemorates the introduction and spread of Islam in this part of Mindanao and the rest of the country. This will be highlighted by the traditional fluvial parade from the Bucana, mouth of Rio Grande de Mindanao, where missionary Shariff Kabunsuan and his fellows laid anchor and then established a system of government whose vestiges remain culturally rooted up to this time.

        What message is derived from these three religious and historical events which we commemorate in our geographical region? Two cultures have met and through years of interfacing, ethnic groups have embraced each other with respect to one’s tribal and religious affiliations or beliefs. Such social and cultural solidarity through long years of intermingling has unified us as a people whose cultural setting has been a blending unison, distinct only in dogmas but giving respect on differing religious perspectives. Our getting together and settling as neighbors is a continuity of the paradigm of “live and let live.” The ideals of cooperation and peaceful co-existence are the parameters for the advancement of development and sharing of resources in one setting.

        As a result of co-existence is the dynamism of cultural borrowing reflected in philosophical perspective and material aspects so as differences are gradually diminished. Social contacts in one setting then breeded inter-marriages, hence, cultural differences or conflicts are set aside. In historical accounts, amalgamation or inter-marriage is one mode of accommodation or settlement in reducing or ending conflict which result to cultural fusion.

        This scenario of co-existence among differing ethnic and religious groups makes life more bearable enabling the people to pursue normal lives. The commemoration then of feast days we mark this month is a reflection of how we have endeared each other in one social and cultural setting.

Because of conglomeration for so long years, we see each other with no distinct cultural attachment in mind but one as a people co-existing with each other.  Such is the message of commemoration or celebration of feast days when we further strengthen our bonding together as peace-loving inhabitants.