A Filipino Christmas

Note: This article was published in the December 2, 2007 edition of the Our Lady of Consolation Parish newsletter. This is from the original text.

Christmas is just a few weeks away! It has been said time and time again that Filipinos celebrate the longest Christmas, where Christmas songs are played as early as September. The festivities officially start on December 16, with the first day of the Simbang Gabi, and ends on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.

Let us look into some local Christmas symbols and traditions that add color to this special holiday.


Simbang Gabi

Christmas celebration in the Philippines will not be complete without the Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo). These nine-day novena masses are devoted to the Virgin Mary, which are celebrated either at dawn or in the evening in order to accommodate the country’s predominantly Catholic population. These masses signify one’s devotion to his faith and sacrifice to God. However, it is also believed that God would grant the wishes of the faithful if they complete the novena masses.

The masses end on Christmas Eve, with the celebration of the Misa de Aguinaldo or the Midnight Mass.

Christmas Star

Known as the Star of Bethlehem, the Christmas star announced the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew narrated that a star guided the three wise men (magi) to Bethlehem where the child Jesus was born.

In line with this, a star is often placed on top of the Christmas tree representing the Star of Bethlehem. Filipino homes and buildings, in particular, are adorned with at least one star-shaped lantern or parol, symbolizing the welcome of the Messiah.

Belen

The belen is considered as the oldest Filipino Christmas symbol, showing the infant Jesus on a manger surrounded by his parents Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and their flock. This symbol was derived from the tradition of real people and animals recreating the nativity scene introduced by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.

Panuluyan

The Panuluyan (looking for lodging) is a street drama reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. This is performed on Christmas Eve, usually before the Midnight Mass. Derived from the Mexican posada, this tradition was introduced in Mexico by the Spanish missionaries.

Caroling

One of the most cherished Filipino Christmas traditions is the singing of Christmas carols. A group of carolers whether family, friends, or members of an organization, visit several houses and sing familiar Christmas tunes. They usually carol for fund-raising purposes or just for the fun of singing. Homeowners respond by the giving of cash or even by inviting the carolers into their homes for a feast.

Noche Buena and Family Reunions

The Christmas season is also a good opportunity for holding big family reunions. Filipino families, in particular, gather starting on Christmas Eve to partake the Noche Buena or the traditional dinner, usually after attending the midnight mass.

On Christmas day, the families visit the elder members to pay their respect. Children, along with their parents and relatives, also visit their ninongs and ninangs (godparents) to receive their aguinaldo (gifts).

Gift-Giving and Manito Manita

We all know that Christmas is a time for gift-giving for the kids and kids at heart. In fact, the first gifts were those given to the child Jesus by the three wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

A popular local gift-giving tradition is the Manito Manita, also known as Monito Monita. The rules of this Filipinized Kris Kringle vary from the required value of the gift to the theme of the day. Participants draw lots the names of the recipients (babies), which should not be revealed until the final exchanging of gifts. The fun part of Manito Manita is for these baby-recipients to guess the identity of the giver.

Other Symbols:

Christmas Tree – Adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments with an angel or star on top. The modern practice of decorating trees was said to have originated in Germany, although Protestant reformer Martin Luther King was argued to be first to start the tradition by lighting the tree with candles.

Santa Claus – A character associated with bringing gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. He is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, or Kris Kringle. Many cultures describe the origins of Santa Claus, one of the earliest being that the character is based on St. Nicholas, known for giving gifts to the poor. Today, Santa Claus is more popular as a secular Christmas symbol.

Christmas Lights – For Christians, the Christmas lights symbolized that Jesus Christ is the “Light of the World”.

These Christmas symbols and traditions are very much alive and are practiced in our country and in our respective communities. With all the preparations abound this holiday season, let us remember their significance on our lives, as well as the reason why we celebrate Christmas—to commemorate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A meaningful Christmas to all of you.