Have a slice!: Luhuran

Ahh...the holidays, the shopping, the decorating, the cooking, the Luhuran...

the what?

The LUHURAN! One of the most anticipated events of the year in our family...an annual event filled with love, music, fellowship, food, and best of all...FAMILY!

A prayer before the feast

The word "Luhuran" comes from the Tagalog verb "Luhod" which means "to kneel." Our family gets together to kneel! Well, no it's a lot more than that. Back in the day, in the old country, my mom's side of the family, the Cometas, got together at Christmas time and after the food and merriment, the kids paid their respects to the elders of the family. I'm sure the first Luhuran's were a little different, but we've tried to keep most of the traditions going. This is how the modern Luhuran goes:

First the kids have to sing or perform. They usually sing Christmas carols or read passages from the Bible about the Christmas story. After the show, the Aunts, Uncles, Lolos and Lolas (Grandparents) sit in chairs or couches around the room and all the kids gather in the middle of the room on their knees. They turn to each elder and together they greet them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. They then form a line (still on their knees!) arranged from youngest to oldest in front of each elder and one by one each child pays their respects by taking the hand of the elder and touching it to their forehead. We call this the "Bless" or "Mano." The elder then gives the child an "aguinaldo" or gift in the form of money...usually between 1 to 5$. It doesn't always have to be money, sometimes the elders will give gifts of candy or kisses and hugs. It's a sort of rite of passage in our family when you go from the "kneeling" to the "giving." It usually happens once you get married or graduate from college and get a job. Until then, you're still allowed to be on the kneeling end and score some serious bucks depending on attendance. But more than the money, the Luhuran's are about family. As the family grows, it gets harder and harder to get everyone together and this is our chance to keep those family ties strong and keep traditions that started back in the Philippines when our own parents were kids.

Lauren gets her first "aguinaldo." That's her cousin Keilah holding her.

It's all about family. Here are some young cousins getting to know each other.

The Elders. In the center is Reuel, a member of our church family in the Philippines.

This year, attendance was low due to conflicting work schedules and illnesses, but it was still a fun and memorable experience. My mom hosted the party so it was especially hectic at her house but it was all worth it to get together with my cousins. We even had a bit of worship time when my some of the cousins picked up their guitars and we sang praises in the living room. I don't mean to brag, but my family is really talented. My nieces, nephews, cousins, and siblings are all awesome and they use their talents at church to serve the Lord which makes it even more special.