With ashes on the forehead, a reminder of the mortality of human life, the Catholic community in Goa entered the season of Lent. This forty-day period, one of the most important and solemn observances in the Catholic liturgical calendar, culminates in the celebration of Easter.
Over the years, certain customs have marked this time of repentance and penance. Some of these are still observed by the community, while others are no longer in practice.
ABSTINENCE
Fasting and the abstinence from meat has always been emphasised during this time, especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. But, in the past, if one required an exemption of abstinence from meat, this was made possible by buying bulas.
Bulas are unheard of today, but in decades past, these were permits, decrees or mandates that were issued by the Catholic Church. Those who purchased the bulas were conceded/allowed certain indulgences.
SACRED HYMNS ON REPENTANCE
To emphasise and contemplate on the repentant nature of the Lenten season, the jubilant Gloria and Alleluia are omitted from the liturgy at mass.
Instead, the Lenten hymns of hope, repentance, renewal and confession fill the air.
In Goa, motets or scared hymns, became synonymous with Lenten music. Although today, this is regarded as a slowly dying tradition, some parishes in Goa still have choirs performing these.
Rendering to their somber chants, these were sung on the occasion of Santos Passos and even during the Sacred Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
WOODEN CLAPPER
Following the Gloria, sung at the Maundy Thursday service, all the bells go silent (the sanctus bell at the altar as well as that on the tower) and are not rung until the Gloria at the Easter vigil.
The chime of the bells is substituted by the rattle of the wooden clapper, or the crotalus, that is used to honour this time and believed to evoke feelings of remorse. This is still heard at the Good Friday service.
COLOR OF REPENTENCE AND SORROW
Traditionally black vestments were worn during the penitential seasons, the colour symbolising mourning or sorrow. In recent years, however, the color purple has been associated with the Lenten season, representing penance, sorrow and sacrifice.
And, not just the clergy’s vestments, but even at the Santos Passos, which is the enaction of the Passion of Christ, the life-size image of Christ, carried on charols in a procession, is draped in purple.
TENEBRAE
Right from veiling crosses and statues to leaving the holy water fonts dry, one will notice certain things only during Lent.
One such service that took place in the past was the tenebrae (meaning darkness).
Twelve candles were placed on a triangular shaped wooden stand, and at this service, the candles were gradually extinguished one by one, resulting in total darkness at the end of the service.
Traditions and rituals passed on without the knowledge of why things are done in a specific way, so often get diluted over time.
And thus, it's important to understand why these were sacred to the community and the purpose behind these traditions, and not practice them bereft of faith.
