The Characters of Santacruzan and their representations

In the Catholic tradition, Santacruzan or what we also known as Flores de Mayo has
always been part of the month of May. This is a re-enactment of finding the True Cross,
the cross where Jesus died and which was found by Reyna Elena. By tradition, each
Reina carry or holds an object which symbolizes their character.

Methusela 
He is the oldest person that had lived the longest on land. He mixes a large pot with
sand and stone until it becomes toasted and burnt. It symbolizes that everything that
trembles on Earth will return into ashes.

Reina Banderada 
A maiden clothed in red. She bears a triangular yellow flag. She symbolizes the growth
of the country’s Christianity.

Reina de las Aetas 

She personifies the state of the Philippines before Christianity. They were known as the
(Philippine) pagans during that time.

Reina Juana 
When they reached Cebu, they were welcomed by Raha Humabon together with his
spouse, Humamai. It was when the first baptism took place, the beginning of Christianity
in our country. Therefore, the Spanish named the two Christian names: Haring Carlos at
Reyna Juana. As an offering, Magallanes gave Reyna Juana the image of Sto. Niño.
The said image is enshrined and is now known as Santo Niño de Cebu.

Reina Fe 
She manifested the most significant characteristic of the Filipinos which is having strong
faith. She bears the “Cross” as a sign of this faith.

Reina Esperanza 
She showcased the second good characteristic of the Filipinos, which is obtaining hope.
She bears the “anchor” as a symbol of this hope.

Reina Caridad 
She exhibited the third characteristic of the Filipinos which is exhibiting eternal or pure
love. She bears the “heart” as a sign of this love.

Reina Abogada 
She is the defender of the poor and oppressed. She was clothed in a black robe and
held a “big book”

Reina Sentenciada 
She represents the people who were punished for the crimes they didn’t do. She was
bounded together with two Roman soldiers.
Reina Justicia 
She embodies the “reflection of righteousness” that means the law is impartial to
anyone. She bears the “sword and scales.”

Reina Judith 
She’s from Pethulia who saved the whole city from the Assyrians by cutting off the head
of the cruel Holofernes. Thus, she bears the sword.

Reina Sheba 
The Queen who visited King Solomon to test his knowledge. Later on, she was
overwhelmed not only on King’s wisdom but also on its wealth and power. She bears a
“gold box.”

Reina Esther 
She came from the tribe of Jews who saved her dominion from death and destruction
because of her interference with King Xerxes. She bears a scepter capped with the Star
of David. She is the Jewish Queenn of Persia who depicts the cardinal virtue of
prudence.

Babaeng Samaritana 
Despite being a Samaritan, a woman who fetched water from the well and had dealt
with Jesus as he asked for water; for he was dealing with the Jews during that time. She
bears a “jar” as a receptacle.

Veronica 
This woman dared to oppose the lethality of the soldiers, took her bandana and wiped
the blood and sweat on the face of Jesus. The miracle of all miracles, Jesus’ face is
instilled on this woman’s bandana. She bears the “bandana with the image of Jesus”

Tres Marias
Maria ng Betania 
She is one of the disciples of Jesus who is in Calvary when Jesus was crucified and
died on the cross. She carries a “bottle of perfume” which was poured out to the
remains of Jesus.
Maria Ina ni Santiago 
She is one of the closest family members of Mary Mother of Jesus. She carries a “bottle
of oil.”
Maria Ina ni Jesus 
The Beloved Virgin Mary is quietly reflecting together with her son who’s suffering as he
was unjustly condemned. She bears the “handkerchief” which symbolizes her mourning.

Divina Pastora 
Mary, the mother of Jesus, our Good Shepherd who nurtured mankind and guided
those who were astray. She bears the “staff” of a shepherd.
Reina de las Estrellas 
The Queen of the Stars – Mary, just like stars, she brings light to mind full of distress.
She holds a “staff” that shines.

Rosa Mystica 
Mary with her holy personality was appointed as the mother of our Savior. She holds a
bouquet of roses which symbolizes Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Reina Paz 
The Queen of Peace –  Mary was fulfilled by the holy spirit and accepted its gift which is
Peace. She holds a white dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Reina Consolacion
She is the giver of hope for all the hopeless and weak-spirited. She, with an Angel,
makes sure that she is able to help and guide the less fortunate children toward a better
life and a brighter future.

Reina Verdad 
The Queen of truth –  she is an advocate of the truth; she holds the bible that will bring
the good news to all those people who will follow the commandments of God.

Reina Vida
The Queen of Life –  she is an advocate of life. She carries the image of “Niño Jesus,”
which represents her continuous protection for every creation that exists on Earth.

Reina del Cielo 

The Queen of Heaven –  in the 5th Glorious Mystery, Mary ascended into heaven and
was crowned Queen of heaven and earth. She holds a flower with two angels by her
side.

Reina de las Propetas

The Queen of the Prophets – “a maiden will conceive and give birth to a boy and she
will call him Emmanuel” which means “God is with us.” This happened to fulfill what God
has said to the prophets. She holds an hour glass that symbolizes the Prophets.

Reina de las Virgines 

“Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” This is
what Elizabeth said when she was filled with the Holy Spirit because the child leaped in
her womb after she heard the greeting of Mary. She bears the “rosary” together with two
angels.

Reina de los Angeles 

The Queen of Angels – “Glory to God in the highest and peace to God’s people on
Earth.” This was said by the angels when Jesus Christ Our lord was born. She is
accompanied by two angels.
Reina de las Flores 
The Queen of Flowers – It is right to respect, appreciate, devote love to Mary. Together
with this love, it is only right to offer her flowers and devote love as a sign of veneration
and respect. She holds a cluster of flowers.

Reina Elena  with Constantino 

Mother of Constantine. She went to Jerusalem to see the Cross. She carries a cross as
sign or proof that she saw the Cross that saved us.

This is activity is not a pageant where young ladies dress up to be the most beautiful
with their make-up and gown. We must remember the real meaning of Santacruzan by
focusing on what every “Reina” represents. Hope, Charity, and Faith – the three virtues
are the centric to the procession itself.