Flores de Mayo-history and origin we need to understand

History of Flores de mayo

1. Flores de Mayo Guide for Lesson Making

2. Introduction: Flores de Mayo, also known as the "Flowers of May," is a traditional Catholic devotional practice celebrated in the Philippines during the entire month of May. This colorful and festive event honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, through prayers, processions, and floral offerings.

3. 1. Origin and History: Flores de Mayo traces its roots back to Spanish colonial times when missionaries introduced Marian devotions to the Philippines. The festival evolved as a way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially during the month dedicated to her. It combines elements of Catholic devotion with Filipino cultural traditions. It is believed that the devotion was introduced by Spanish missionaries who promoted Marian devotions among the Filipino people. The month of May was chosen because it is dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

4. Spanish Influence: During the Spanish colonial period, Flores de Mayo combined Catholic Marian devotions with Spanish cultural traditions. The festival was a way to promote devotion to Mary and to instill religious values among the local population.

5. How did Flores de Mayo Start in the Philippines? Spanish conquistadors and friars introduced it in the mid-1800s. It is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, who gives rain when farmers ask for it, and the celebration for it represents the farmers’ unwavering gratitude. Stories say it makes various flowers bloom and grow new crops for food. It has been practiced for hundreds of years, but we still observe them today. In fact, it is widely celebrated throughout Luzon, Visayas , and Mindanao. Furthermore, it is gaining further recognition abroad, such as in Europe and America, because of the Filipino immigrants who brought it with them.

6. What are the Traces of Flores de Mayo in Philippine history? This forming giant of culture has long been engraved in the hearts of Filipino Catholics. It symbolizes the country’s history and culture – a trademark that should never lose its true essence. For a bit of a background on its history, this month-long holy rite began right after the dogma of Immaculate Conception was proclaimed in the year 1854. It became even more popular after the published interpretation of Mariano Sevilla’s Flores de Maria. His book ‘ Mariquite na Bulaklak sa Pagninilay sa Buong Buan nang Mayo ay Inihahandognang manga Devoto Cay Maria Santisima ’ gained popularity and spread its influence across the country. In 1867, Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan were officially observed in Malolos , Bulacan .

7. 2. Month-Long Devotion: Flores de Mayo is observed throughout the entire month of May. It involves daily or weekly gatherings in churches or homes where prayers, hymns, and floral offerings are offered to Mary. This devotion aims to deepen one's faith in Mary's role as the Mother of God and our spiritual mother.

8. 3. Floral Offerings and Processions: Central to Flores de Mayo are the beautiful floral offerings presented to Mary, symbolizing our love and reverence for her. Participants, often dressed in white, bring flowers to decorate Marian altars or participate in processions. The use of flowers symbolizes Mary's purity, beauty, and virtues.

9. 4. Marian Prayers and Rosary: During Flores de Mayo, participants recite Marian prayers such as the Hail Mary, the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen), and the Litany of Loreto. The Holy Rosary is also prayed daily, reflecting on the mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary.

10. This litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary was composed during the Middle Ages. The place of honor it now holds in the life of the Church is due to its faithful use at the shrine of the Holy House at Loreto. It was definitively approved by Pope Sixtus V in 1587, and all other Marian litanies were suppressed, at least for public use. Since then, several Popes have added titles to the Litany, as only they may do. 

11. The Litany's titles and invocations set before us Mary's exalted privileges, her holiness of life, her amiability and power, her motherly spirit and queenly majesty. The principle that has been followed in their interpretation is the one enunciated by Blessed Pius IX: 'God enriched her so wonderfully from the treasury of His divinity, far beyond all angels and saints with the abundance of all heavenly gifts, that she...should show forth such fullness of innocence and holiness, than which a greater under God is unthinkable and which, beside God, no one can even conceive in thought.'

12. Hence, whatever virtue and holiness is found in angels and saints must be present in Mary in an immeasurably higher degree.

13. THE  LITANY OF   LORETO Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us. God, the Father of heaven,  have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world,  God the Holy Spirit,  Holy Trinity, one God,

14. Holy Mary,  pray for us. Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins,  Mother of Christ,  Mother of the Church,  Mother of Mercy, Mother of divine grace, Mother of Hope,  Mother most pure,  Mother most chaste,  Mother inviolate,  Mother undefiled,  Mother most amiable,  Mother admirable,  Mother of good counsel,  Mother of our Creator,  Mother of our Saviour, 

15. Virgin most prudent,  Virgin most venerable,  Virgin most renowned,  Virgin most powerful,  Virgin most merciful,  Virgin most faithful,  Mirror of justice,  Seat of wisdom,  Cause of our joy,  Spiritual vessel,  Vessel of honour,  Singular vessel of devotion,  Mystical rose, 

16. Tower of David,  Tower if ivory,  House of gold,  Ark of the covenant,  Gate of heaven,  Morning star,  Health of the sick,  Refuge of sinners,  Solace of Migrants, Comfort of the afflicted,  Help of Christians, 

17. Queen of Angels,  Queen of Patriarchs,  Queen of Prophets,  Queen of Apostles,  Queen of Martyrs,  Queen of Confessors,  Queen of Virgins,  Queen of all Saints,  Queen conceived without original sin,  Queen assumed into heaven,  Queen of the most holy Rosary,  Queen of families,  Queen of peace.

18. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,  spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,  graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,  have mercy on us. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.  That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

19. Let us pray.  Grant, we beseech thee,  O Lord God,  that we, your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body;  and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin,  may be delivered from present sorrow,  and obtain eternal joy.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

20. 5. Culmination with Santacruzan : The highlight of Flores de Mayo is the grand procession known as the Santacruzan , which takes place at the end of May. The Santacruzan reenacts the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (St. Helena) and her son, Emperor Constantine. The procession features participants dressed in elaborate costumes, representing biblical and historical characters associated with the discovery of the True Cross.

21. 6. Spiritual Significance: Flores de Mayo serves as a reminder of Mary's important role in salvation history and her intercessory power in our lives. It encourages a deeper relationship with Mary as a model of faith, humility, and obedience to God. Flores de Mayo is not just a cultural event but a spiritual devotion that encourages Catholics to deepen their relationship with Mary and to seek her intercession in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin as a model of discipleship and holiness.  

22. 7. Community and Fellowship: Beyond its spiritual aspects, Flores de Mayo fosters community and fellowship among parishioners. It strengthens the sense of unity and faith within the church community as people come together to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.

23. Development and Evolution: Over time, Flores de Mayo evolved into a popular and widespread devotion throughout the Philippines. It became an expression of Filipino religious and cultural identity, blending Spanish Catholicism with indigenous Filipino customs and traditions.

24. In summary, Flores de Mayo is a cherished Filipino Catholic tradition that celebrates the beauty of faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It combines spirituality, culture, and community, offering a meaningful way to deepen one's relationship with Mary and grow in faith during the month of May. Through prayers, floral offerings, and processions, participants honor Mary as the Mother of God and seek her intercession in their lives. May Flores de Mayo continue to inspire faith and devotion in the hearts of believers, drawing them closer to the love of God through the example of our Blessed Mother.