The Hermeneutics of the Gozos for Señor Santo Niño de Cebu

This study unveiled the historical roots and interpretations of the Gozos for Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. It sought to answer these objectives: identify the history and lyrical interpretation of the Batobalani, interpret the Batobalani in the perspective of the church and the devotees, and feature the symbolism of the waving of the hands during the singing of the Batobalani in the perspective of the church and the devotees. This study used the hermeneutics design of the verses of the Gozos of the Santo Niňo. The Gozos was interpreted using content analysis with historical sociological perspectives. This analysis is deepened with devotees’ narratives. The devotees were selected through a convenience sampling, especially those who attended the nine days novena masses. The Batobalani, as manifested in its verses, told the story of Christianity and Christianization of the Cebuanos by the Spanish missionaries–from the discovery of image in 1565 to the integralization of the worship and praise of the Holy Child in the lives of the Cebuano devotees. Further, as interpreted by the Church, the Batobalani signifies the surrendering of the people to God, the admittance of weakness, an invocation of mercy and protection from God. As interpreted by the devotees, the Batobalani signifies praise, offering, gratitude and request, and a manifestation of God’s passion and compassion toward His people. Further, the raising and waving of the hands, according to the Church, signifies the need for God, the expression of joy, the reaching out for God. According to the devotees, the raising and waving of the hands signifies joy, thanksgiving, and a gesture of request