10/31/2025
The Returning Souls: A Filipino Undas Tradition of Homecoming
Every year in the Philippines, as the cool winds of November begin to touch the air, a sacred belief awakens among Filipino families — that during Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day), the spirits of their departed loved ones return home. This is not merely superstition but a deep cultural tradition, a blend of faith, love, and remembrance passed down through generations.
On the eve of November 1 and 2, many Filipino households prepare their tables not just for the living, but also for the souls who once filled their homes with laughter. Plates of rice, pancit, native kakanin, and a cup of hot coffee or tsokolate are placed on the dining table or altar — untouched through the night. It is believed that the spirits visit in silence, partaking in the aroma and essence of the food offered with love.
In some provinces, families still light candles by the window or near doorways to guide wandering souls back to their homes. The flickering flame serves as a beacon — a light of remembrance, faith, and hope. In the stillness of the night, elders often whisper, “Welcome home, we remember you.” It is their way of telling the unseen that they are not forgotten.
Children are taught to behave respectfully during these nights. Making loud noises or mocking ghostly tales is frowned upon, as it is said that doing so disturbs the spirits. The atmosphere in Filipino homes during Undas is a mixture of solemn peace and quiet reverence. It’s a time when the boundary between the living and the dead feels thin — not frightening, but sacred.
Old stories tell of those who have felt the presence of their loved ones — a faint scent of perfume, the creak of a chair, or a breeze passing gently through the curtains. These subtle signs are taken as blessings, reminders that love transcends even death.
What makes this tradition uniquely Filipino is its warmth. Instead of fear, there is affection. Instead of darkness, there is light. For the Filipino, Undas is not just about mourning the dead — it’s about welcoming them home, even for just one night. It’s a reunion of hearts, seen and unseen.
As dawn breaks and the candles burn out, the food is not thrown away but shared with the family, symbolizing that both the living and the dead are part of one continuous circle. In every spoonful and every prayer, the memory of those who came before is kept alive.
In essence, The Returning Souls is a reflection of the Filipino soul — resilient, loving, and deeply rooted in faith. It is a story that reminds us that death is not an end, but a quiet homecoming.
📜 Disclaimer:
This narrative is created for educational and cultural purposes only. It aims to preserve and explain the traditional Filipino belief surrounding Undas — specifically, the practice of preparing food for visiting souls — as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. It does not intend to promote or validate supernatural claims, but to honor the Filipino spirit of remembrance, family, and respect for the departed.
