Christmas Traditions in the Philippines

Celebrating the Holidays with Festive Customs and Beliefs

Christmas is one of the most significant celebrations in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country. Filipinos celebrate the holiday season with various customs and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. In this article, we will look at the top 10 Christmas traditions in the Philippines. 카지노사이트

Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi, which translates to “Night Mass,” is a nine-day novena of masses that starts on December 16 and ends on December 24. Filipinos wake up early in the morning to attend Mass, which usually starts at 4:00 am. After the Mass, vendors sell a variety of Filipino delicacies such as bibingka and puto bumbong.

Parol

A parol is a star-shaped lantern made of bamboo sticks and colored paper or cellophane. Also, the parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to the manger where Jesus was born. Additionally, Filipinos hang parols outside their homes, and some communities hold a contest for the most beautiful and creative parol.

Noche Buena

Noche Buena is the Filipino version of the midnight feast that is usually held on Christmas Eve. Families gather together to share a sumptuous meal that typically includes lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese), and various desserts such as fruit salad and bibingka.

Christmas Carols

Filipinos love to sing Christmas carols, and they start as early as September. Children and adults go from house to house singing traditional carols such as “Silent Night” and “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” in exchange for money or food. 바카라사이트

Belen

A Belen is a nativity scene that depicts the birth of Jesus in a manger. It usually includes statues of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the three wise men. The Belen is displayed in churches, homes, and public places such as parks and malls.

Aguinaldo

Aguinaldo is a Spanish term that means Christmas bonus. It is a tradition in the Philippines for employers to give their employees a 13th-month pay and a Christmas bonus. The bonus is usually given on or before December 24, just in time for the holiday celebrations.

Gift-giving

Gift-giving is an essential part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. Filipinos exchange gifts with their loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Also, it is customary for children to receive gifts from their ninongs and ninangs (godparents), who are expected to give them presents every Christmas.

Misa de Gallo

Misa de Gallo, which means “Rooster’s Mass,” is another tradition that is similar to Simbang Gabi. It is a series of nine masses that starts on December 16 and ends on December 24. The difference is that Misa de Gallo is held at midnight instead of early in the morning.

Paskong Pinoy

Paskong Pinoy is a term used to describe the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas. It is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, and it is marked by colorful decorations, delicious food, and various traditions.

Salubong

Salubong is a pre-dawn reenactment of the meeting between the Risen Christ and His mother, Mary. It is held on Easter Sunday and involves a procession of parishioners dressed in traditional Filipino attire. Also, the Salubong is a unique tradition in the Philippines that combines religious and cultural elements.

Conclusion

The Philippines has a rich and colorful Christmas tradition that reflects its history, culture, and religious beliefs. From Simbang Gabi to Noche Buna, from parols to Belen, from gift-giving to Christmas carols, these customs and traditions bring Filipinos together and create a festive atmosphere during the holiday season. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Filipinos continue to celebrate Christmas with the same enthusiasm and spirit, even adapting to new ways of celebrating, such as virtual reunions and online gift-giving. Also as Christmas approaches, let us all take inspiration from the Filipino Christmas traditions and spread love and joy to those around us, wherever we may be in the world. 온라인카지노