Korean soldiers wth Jesus Christ?
A religious float in Baliwag, Bulacan during a Holy Week procession drew attention after the soldier figures were spotted dressed in Korean attire instead of the traditional Roman centurion outfits.
The float depicted the Enrobing of Jesus in Purple, an event in the Passion narrative in which Roman soldiers mock Jesus as a king by placing a purple robe on him.
However, the soldiers, who are traditionally portrayed in Roman centurion attire, were instead dressed in costumes resembling those of Korean Joseon Dynasty royal guards.
The post garnered attention from Filipinos, who shared their reactions in the comments on posts featuring the soldiers.
“Ang Pagpapahirap ng Saja Boys kay Jesus Imnida,” a Facebook user quipped.
“Ang pagpapahirap kay Hesus ng mga Saja Boys. And now, Jesus really said, ‘I’M DONE HIDING! NOW I’M SHINING LIKE I WAS BORN TO BE!’ — then made the ultimate comeback and ascended back to heaven. Sorry, natutuwa lang ako sa suot ng mga santo,” another wrote.
“Saja Boys” are characters in the Netflix animated musical film “Kpop Demon Hunters.”
“Historically inaccurate. Korean na pala si Pontius Pilate,” another commented.
“Some traditions are not meant to transitions. It should remain and be respected. If the goal is on enhancing the quality of experience of the event, it can be done by looking into other aspects like assurance of smooth flow and safe conduct,” a different Pinoy said.
“Interpretation must create the right and appropriate awareness, not confusion to the community,” the Facebook user added.
“The point is, hindi nga akma kay Jesus ‘yung concept. Ba’t mo naman kasi iniiba ‘yung point of view? Hahaa,” another commented.
Meanwhile, the owners of the carroza said that themed costumes are not a new practice in Baliwag.
“Wala akong binastos na banal na imahe dahil mga sundalo lamang ang ginawan ko ng tema, hindi ang Mahal na Poong Hesukristo. Ang mga sundalong ito ay hindi naman mga banal at santo,” Ewoks Simbulan reportedly commented.
He added that using themes symbolizes the “universal nature” of the Catholic Church.
Last year, they used Tudor-inspired costumes for the float.
In a report, the owners said that the Blessed Mother has appeared in various countries wearing traditional local clothing, such as in Guadalupe, Mexico and Lourdes, France, to better connect with the people.
“When the Blessed Mother appeared in Guadalupe, Mexico, the visionary said that she was dressed like a Mexican woman of nobility. When she appeared in Lourdes, Bernadette said she was attired in white French winter clothes. So we come to know her more closely because she wanted to be identified with us, like her Son who lived among us,” Simbulan said.
He added that while no church permission is needed to use such “themes,” the Association of Float Owners and the parish regularly remind members to avoid attire that is lewd or sacrilegious.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa namang plano kung magtetema ulit kami, pero isa lang ang sinisigurado namin: Walang pambabastos sa mga kasuotan ng mga banal na imahe, lalo na sa kasuotan ng Kristo,” Simbulan said.
The float is one of the grand carrozas featured each Holy Wednesday and Good Friday at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Augustine in Baliwag.
