In Philippines, Catholics get down and dirty for Taong Putik
The Filipino faithful cover themselves with mud and leaves for Taong Putik, an annual religious festival that takes place on June 24 in the Bibiclat district of the northern village of Aliaga.
Tradition for feast of St. John the Baptist
The Taong Putik Festival is celebrated on the feast day of St. John the Baptist. In the early hours of June 24, before sunrise, the participants of the religious festival, also known as "Pagsa-San Juan," begin their preparations. They cover their bodies with mud from the nearby rice fields and adorn themselves with dried leaves.
In St. John's footsteps
The name is derived from the Tagalog words "taong putik," which means "mud people." The participants wear cloaks made from dried banana leaves, twigs and vines. This depiction is said to be modeled on the ascetic life of St. John. They walk barefoot through the village, ask for alms and later bring them to the church as offerings.
An unexpected sign
The festival became particularly significant by a miracle in 1944 during the Japanese occupation. Men from the village were to be executed following the killing of Japanese soldiers. As the execution was about to take place, it suddenly rained so heavily that the Japanese interpreted it as an omen and spared the men. The villagers celebrated the rescue in the mud.
Different stories behind the ritual
Out of gratitude, people have continued the ritual to this day. However, there are various stories behind it: Some residents also celebrated their escape from the invading Japanese army by rolling in the mud. Others report that rebels hid in a chapel and covered their faces with mud — and a sudden rain forced the soldiers to retreat.
Blessing and communion by holy water
The faithful raise their hands to take some of the holy water that is sprinkled into the crowd. Together with the collected gifts, they arrive at the town church, where they attend Mass. Every household that has donated alms along the way is blessed for the coming year.
Symbol of renewal
The faithful light candles, say prayers and take part in the procession. Later, they purify themselves in the nearby river or — now that it has dried up — at the community's water pump. The festival stands for penance, humility and turning to God. The Catholic Church emphasizes the spiritual significance of the ritual, which symbolizes grace, repentance and renewal.