My father finally bought a house in the capital city of the Philippines, Quezon City, far from the town of my childhood.
So, last Saturday when I attended a house blessing, I never thought much about it, because in my entire life, I'd probably just gone to a couple of house blessings.
When I was still writing for a magazine in my younger professional life, I used to do advertising supplements and one popular feature was "Building Your Dream House," in which I discussed financing, constructing, and decorating a house.
I wrote based on what I read and researched because I have not gone through the process of building nor owning my own home.
Blessing a new or a renovated house, condo unit, or building is a built-in activity to the whole construction process.
"In Christianity, house blessing is an ancient tradition, that can be found in Protestantism, Orthodox, Christianity and Roman Catholicism. They are usually performed by a parish priest who sprinkles holy water as he walks through every room of the house, accompanied by the occupants of the house, whilst praying for the occupants.
House blessings date back to the early days of Christianity and in Catholicism, the ritual takes the form of a prayer. Matthew 2:11 says:
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."Consequently, Catholics often have their homes blessed at Epiphany, on January 6. This commemorates the visitation of the Magi to the child Jesus."
In the Philippines, house blessing or house warming, is usually a grand occasion much like a town fiesta in which the new owners choose "sponsors," - friends or relatives who'd lead the festive day, throwing coins into each room or nook that has been blessed by the priest, in order to bring luck.
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