Christmas in the Philippines

Simbang Gabi

Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated through the Church with family and friends. Although most in the Philippines are very poor (at or under the poverty line as described in America) it is a time of festival and feasting. Families gather in the barrios decorated with lanterns and Nativity scenes to feast and attend Mass together. Everyone is invited.

Although, like in the US, many malls and businesses in the Philippines begin decorating in September, the Christmas season does not begin in earnest until December 16, nine days before Christmas. In Tagalog (Philippine native language) it is called Simbang Gabi (Night Mass); it is also called Misa De Gallo (Rooster's Mass).  This practice is a devotional nine-day series of Masses (called a Novena) held at dawn; running from December 16 through December 24, leading up to the Christmas Eve Mass.  

Simbang Gabi is a spiritual and joyful preparation for the birthday of our Lord and Savior. It is a way of requesting blessings from the Lord. To welcome Church goers during this novena, the Churches are decorated with the Nativity scene and colorful Christmas lanterns. 

The tradition of Simbang Gabi started during the days of Spanish rule in the Philippines. Mass was scheduled in the early mornings to enable farmers to attend Mass before going to work in their fields. The Masses usually took place between 3 and 5 AM. Shortly after the Mass delicacies awaited the Church goers. Food stalls outside the Church were available with coffee or tea. 

Over the years, this tradition has evolved. Some parishes now celebrate Simbang Gabi Masses between 6 and 9 PM to accommodate a more modern work schedule. 

Christmas Lanterns

Hanging colorful Christmas lanterns is another Christmas tradition in the Philippines. Called a "Parol" in Tagalog, it is usually in the form of a 5-point star, with two decorative tails. 

                                    

It represents the star that the three kings followed when they searched for the infant Jesus. It is also an expression of light over darkness and shared faith and hope. 

The materials commonly used in making a lantern are bamboo and Japanese paper. In the past, lanterns were created by hand in different forms; such as: fish, lambs (representing the Lamb of God), doves (representing the Holy Spirit), angels and animals of the Nativity. The lanterns were usually illuminated with candles, oil lamps, or carbide lamps.

Modern lanterns are normally made of steel frames with plastic bodies and illuminated with electric lights. 

Lechon  

Lechon is a whole pig, spit roasted over charcoal and flavored with oil and spices. It is a dish used to celebrate special occasions such as, baptisms, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and Holy Day celebrations (the first time I went to Lolly's barrio to meet her family they served Lechon). The whole pig is used. It is normally strung up in a tree by it'd hind legs. A large bowl is placed below it's head. An artery in the pig's neck is severed and the blood is drained into the bowl. The pig's blood along with it's internal organs are used to make a soup called diniguan (not sure of the spelling). 

Lechon is known for it's skin. The perfect skin is cooked evenly, smooth, golden brown, shiny and crispy - from the pig's snout to the tip of it's tail.

For Filipinos, the love of their traditions, the culture they grew up in, transcends physical boundaries. It travels with them to America and other countries and reminds them of home, no matter how far away they are from their loved ones.  

Simbang Gabi Links 

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simbang_Gabi

The Significance and Origin of SIMBANG GABI - https://www.filcatholic.org/the-significance-and-origin-of-simbang-gabi/

 Simbang Gabi is Filipino Advent tradition honoring the Blessed Mother - https://www.archstl.org/simbang-gabi-is-filipino-advent-tradition-honoring-the-blessed-mother-1387

In PH’s oldest stone church, Simbang Gabi brings Catholics back to 16th century - https://www.rappler.com/nation/metro-manila/san-agustin-church-simbang-gabi-brings-catholics-to-16th-century/

Tradition of Marian Simbang Gabi novena lives on - https://asiacarolinas.org/culture/simbang-gabi 

A Cultural Celebration of Philippine “Simbang Gabi” - https://asiacarolinas.org/culture/simbang-gabi