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 In our Filipiniana library is a treasure trove of images of Philippine life, history and culture from the 15th century to the early seventies. The 4" x 5" black and white photos include reproductions of engravings, lithographs, drawings, and other modes of visual representation, as well as original photos gathered and annotated by the Ayala Museum research department over several years.
We have over 35,000 photos at the moment and are expanding the collection.
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Read more about the Retrato Project:
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![[ Monthly Feature ]](images/monthly/CE00185b.jpg)
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Santa Cruzan
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May time is a truly special time in the Philippines. It is a season of fiestas and festivals, the best example of which is the “Santa Cruzan” or the “Cruz de Mayo”.
The origins of the “Santa Cruzan” and the “Cruz de Mayo” can be traced to the time when Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, saw the vision of the cross in the skies. It is said that he heard a voice saying “By the sign of the cross you shall conquer”. Because of this, Constantine’s soldiers painted the symbol of the cross on their shields leading them to victory. The vision of the cross also led Helena, mother of Constantine, to travel to Jerusalem in search of the Holy Cross and “Santa Cruz” in Spanish. Helena asked her companions to dig at Calvary, the site of the Christ’s crucifixion, where they discovered three crosses; Helena let a sick old servant lie on each of the crosses. The cross which cured the servant was identified as Christ’s cross
Out of this little bit of history the Santa Cruzan has evolved into a colorful and ostentatious ritual which has become an inextricable part of the Filipino people. The supposed religious procession has become a display of beauty and splendor. More often than not, the result is a street pageant that uncovers a strange conglomeration of characters culled from history, Bible, mythology and pure fancy.
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