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“The Celebrations and Traditions That Make It Colorful”

When the “-ber” months take their turn in every Filipino home’s calendar, almost everything around transforms into something that would represent, symbolize, and stand for Christmas. This is true here in the Philippines, where Christmas is said to be celebrated longer and merrier compared to almost everywhere in the world. When the first day of September comes, things that are seen, heard, felt, sniffed and even tasted suddenly turns Christmas-like.

When fancy and glittering Christmas lights start to line up and glow in public places (some of which also display, gigantic and amusing Christmas trees, Santa Claus models, man-made Nativity models and other Christmas decorations) like malls, stores, parks and even private and government offices, one can easily feel the beginning of the holidays. This is accompanied by Christmas songs over the radio, caroling children, Christmas bazzars and sales promotions and people heading to and from stores to buy things from their Christmas list. Somehow this gives the feeling of merriment head on.

While all of these seem to describe a modern Christmas celebration and some that are “copied” from the Western culture, there are still many Filipino Christmas and New Years traditions that are still being observed that stood the test of time even after centuries of change in the people’s way of living.

Misa de Gallo (Early-morning Mass)

Literally, it means midnight mass like its Tagalog term Simbang Gabi. The Misa de Gallo is actually held during early dawn usually starting from 3:00 – 4:00 in the morning from December 16-24. The tradition started during the Spanish-colonial time when priests celebrate masses early in the morning instead of having it in the evening for farmers to be able to attend without staying up late. Today, the tradition is still observed anywhere in the country and in every parish, and continues to attract younger and younger generations, most of which aim to complete the “nine mornings” in the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled.

This tradition always goes with the selling of Filipino delicacies — bibingka and puto bungbong, which have always been a favorite among the mass attendees.

Kris Kringle and Christmas Parties

It is also a tradition in the Philippines that, companies, schools and other institutions hold a Christmas party before the Christmas break. The traditional Filipino version of Kris Kringle called “Monito-Monita” or easily understood as exchanging of gifts usually happen during these parties. Food, games and other fun activities are also held.

Christmas Eve Mass

Filipinos, especially those that are Catholic devotees believe that the celebration of Christmas would never be substantial unless they attend the Christmas Eve Mass. Usually starts around 8:00-10:00 in the evening of December 24 with the last mass undergoing until the first hour of December 25.

Noche Buena

Noche Buena or the Christmas Eve dinner follows shortly after the mass, this is held in every home where members of the family gather together to share a sumptuous meal. Commonly shared during this midnight feast are roasted pig (lechon baboy), queso de bola, ham, cakes (western and Filipino), barbeque and other Filipino delicacies which often goes with wine, beer, and other liquor. This usually lasts for more than an hour or until morning depending on the plans of the family. It is also here that some families take the time to exchange Christmas gifts.

Family Reunion

Indeed, Christmas time, is usually the time where families and other relatives gather together mostly in the house of their elders. Christmas seems to be the best time of the year to hold such activities because of the Christmas break being enjoyed by students and workers. This is ideal for those who want to make their Noche Buena more festive and merrier. There are even those that make this an annual tradition for the whole family.

Christmas Day

Mostly spent with friends after having shared the Christmas Eve with their families, this is also the time where most Christmas parties and outings among friends are held. In the morning, many flock the Misa de Aguinaldo or the mass of Thanksgiving for the Birth of Christ. This is usually held around 9:00 or 10:00 am to 11:00 or 12:00 noon. Throughout the day, families take time to visit relatives or children visit their godparents for their aguinaldos (Christmas presents).

Panunuluyan

In some areas in the country, the “Panunuluyan” is still observed. Panunuluyan is the reenactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph to find a place where Mary could give birth to Jesus. This is usually done in the streets with people clad in early Jewish clothing while chanting songs that retell the story of the nativity. In some places, this is done in houses of well-off families.

Niños de Innocentes

Through time, this tradition is converted into the December version of April Fools, but actually this commemorated the many innocent children which were killed by Herod during Christ’s time.

New Years Eve Feast

The celebration of New Year’s Eve goes along Filipino’s belief of making a good start. Families gather in their houses, with all the faith that this will make the family intact for the rest of the year. The family shares a midnight meal similar to that of the Noche Buena while fireworks conquer the evening silence. The New Year celebration oftentimes comes with the beliefs of starting lucky. This is when polka-dots are “in” and 12 round fruits served at the table are believed to bring good luck — beliefs which are derived from the Chinese.

The feast of the Three Kings

Ending the long Christmas celebration is the Feast of the Three Kings or the Epiphany, this is observed every first Sunday of January.

All Filipino Christmas traditions being observed only reflect how the Pinoys value and uphold the relationship of the family. Every tradition also tells of the Filipino’s devotion to their religion and their love for festivities evident in its color, sounds and sights.

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Christmas in the Philippines is written by Matt Regis.