Pamagdarame in the Philippines

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Abstract

In the Philippines, Holy Week is one of the most highlighted celebrations observed by Roman Catholics. Hundreds of flagellants show their willingness to atone for their sins and profess their desire to seek divine intervention for themselves and for their loved ones by performing “panata” (a popular expression of faith and piety) and “pamagdarame” (self-flagellation). This research is an attempt to further describe the pamagdarame of the Kapampangan by making it a panata. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used and a total of 320 “magdarame” (flagellants) were purposively given a researcher-made questionnaire that assessed their demographic profile and their forms, reasons, and preparations of pamagdarame. The results showed that most Kapampangan flagellants bleed and whip themselves for supplication, while a few flagellants perform pamagdarame for thanksgiving. Moreover, it is noteworthy to see that the majority of participants make spiritual preparations prior to their pamagdarame. In conclusion, the results provided information on the forms, reasons, and preparations of flagellants and its possible implications to one’s faith and spirituality.