The panunuluyan / panuluyan is a dramatization of the search for Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary right before the birth of Jesus Christ.
This tradition is generally held on Christmas Eve, when Filipinos of the Catholic faith prepare for the midnight Mass.
It’s been proposed that the panunuluyan may have been derived from the nine-day Mexican ritual called posadas.
The panunuluyan procession commences with the images of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary being wheeled out on floats out of the church at around 7:00 p.m.
Two singers accompanied by musicians stop at three or four houses throughout the town. They sing Joseph and Mary’s plea for lodging. The homeowners will do their part and say that there is no room for the travelers.
This will go on until near midnight, where the Mass is about to begin.
The panunuluyan is what this Philippine tradition is called in the Tagalog-speaking regions. The Visayans call their version daygon. Other areas have their own similar cultural rituals during the Christmas season.
MGA KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
panunulúyan: pansamantalang pagtigil sa bahay ng iba
Panunulúyan: sa malaking titik, dula sa bisperas ng Pasko hinggil sa paghahanap ng matutuluyan nina Birheng Maria at San Jose sa Herusalem
Tingnan din ang pananapatan.
