THE traslacion of the Black Nazarene is not the only tradition that is returning, as the so-called “Dungaw” of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian is revived with its occurrence.
The Dungaw Rite is a tradition that happens during the commemoration of The Feast of The Black Nazarene. It is also known as the ‘La Mirata’ and is considered as one of the highlights during the Traslacion.
During the rite–the Black Nazarene goes on a brief stop at the Minor Ballisca of San Sebastian. This is to meet the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian.
It is believed by many people that the ‘Dungaw’ rite is a reenactment of the mother meeting the son on his way to the cross. Meanwhile, this belief is known to be false as the intention of this rite is to present a religious courtesy between the King and Queen of Quiapo–whose meeting to guide the Nazarene in prayer.
The Dungaw rite also symbolizes the depiction of maternal love, inviting reflection and prayer as they go towards the ultimate destination on where the Nazarene is to be with his mother–Mary.
The origins of the Dungaw rite are left to be unknown due to its limited historical records. In the 1900s the meeting rites were ceased due to unknown reasons.
The meeting rites was later revived in 2014 and in 2016, The Archdiocese of Manila officially approved and published the rites and prayers to be used in the ceremony.
And today the dungaw will again be witnessed.
