Kubol: As a Religious Activity in Lucban, Quezon
Author/s: Berlinda O. Paroan |
This study focused on kubol as a religious activity in Lucban, Quezon. A qualitative ethnographic method through interviews and observations was conducted to document the rituals and practices, symbols and objects, chants, and other activities related to the kubol tradition. Local folks and church leaders and members were interviewed to gather information, while document analysis was also done to determine the important events and scenarios during the observation.
Based on the gathered data, kubol is observed in Lucban as part of the annual observance of Holy Week. Kubol is conducted right after the blessing of palm leaves, known as Linggo De Ramos or Linggo ng Palaspas. The natives of Lucban solemnly participate in commemorating the passion of Christ, wherein a public procession is held in the afternoon at exactly 12:00 noon, passing through the Fourteen Stations of the Cross (Kubol) scattered throughout the town proper. Kubols are specially built and decorated with flowers and leaves and feature images or life-sized icons of saints portraying the chapter or scenario assigned to each kubol by the people for the occasion. The neighborhood chants each verse of the passion book (Pasyong Mahal) from the beginning up to the last part until the early morning.