Hampas Dugo is a common practice of penitence in the Philippines. There is no record in history of why and how it started but it is widespread that it is common to see self-flagellants during the Holy Week specially in Pampanga and Bulacan.
While Roman Catholics have different ways of devoting during the Lent season, it is widely practiced in Hagonoy, Bulacan to giveaway eggs to the penitents. Most people give away raw eggs, some hands it away boiled which is decent because it is ready to eat.
According to some folks, eggs were given to self-flagellants because eggs are high in protein and other nutrients so the self-flagellants regain the strength they lost from walking miles while whipping their backs. And before the rice fields of Hagonoy are converted into fish ponds, there are lot of people who raise chickens and eggs is what they can give.
For Maura, who is giving away eggs to self-flagellants for 5 years, it is her way of devoting. “Panata ko ‘to, saka pagse-share na rin ng blessings na natatanggap ng pamilya,” she stated.
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