FLORES DE MAYO

The summer month of May is when flowers are in full bloom. The fragrance of many flowers float in the air, kalachuchi, rose, and the sampaguita—the Philippines’ National Flower. It is also a month of many festivities in the country, chief of which is Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May). It is mostly dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary,  each of the 31 days of the month is a floral tribute to the virtues of the Virgin.

Nine days of prayer—the novena—is held prior to the main festivities. When May rolls around, children begin carrying baskets of flowers while marching down the church aisles every day and sprinkling the petals for Mary. The church altar and aisles are festooned with flowers of various arrangements. People sing hymnals to the Lady Immaculate while offering their flowers. This is called Alay sa Birhen (Offering to the Virgin).

In my Town in Pangpang we celebrate  Flores de Mayo with the Children Praying Rosary, Singing and offering flowers, and they make games after they offer flowers, while the young children  are playing and doing coloring books.

 

The Older Children are Singing While the Young Offering Flowers

 

Praying Rosary

Praying A Rosary

 

Ready To Offer Flowers

 

Offering Flowers

 

Singing Praise to Holy Mother Mary

WHILE THE YOUNG CHILDREN :

 

ENJOYING THE SNACKS

 

DONATED BY MayFlowersFoundation FOR THE CHILDREN OF PANGPANG