Magellan's Cross

 

Magellan’s Cross is one of the first symbols of Christianity that was built in the Philippines. The Magellan’s Cross is located in Cebu City in the Island of Visayas. The cross stands beside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The original cross is protected by wood to preserve and protect it from people who want to get some parts of it as souvenirs and antique items.  This historical attraction is one of the most visited places in the City of Cebu.

The Magellan’s Cross marked the history of the Philippines as the start of Christianity in the country. In 1521, when Ferdinand Magellan and his companions arrived in Cebu, they started spreading the Christian religion. They baptized Rajah Humabon, the leader of the island and his wife. After their baptism, their culture changed. Some of their doings and lifestyle became different because of the teachings of the Spaniards according to the Catholic faith. According to Morga, “There were no temples or houses of common worship of idols anywhere in the islands…” This fact changed and Rajah Humabon and his men began believing in God. The Christian religion made a great impact to the way of life of the first people living in the islands of Cebu.

 

This place became a great part of the Philippine history as it shows the beginning of Christianity, a known religion with different beliefs and practices. Because of this historical place, the lives of the Filipinos started to change for the better and for the worse. It was the start of the bittersweet life Filipinos have way back before. All of these contributed to the life experiencing of every Filipino in the Philippines today. Without these events, life today may be different from what people now. This significant place is a part of the Philippine culture where Filipinos should be proud of.