Christmas celebration in the Philippines is considered the longest and merriest in the world.
Today, we are going to discuss the most popular Pinoy Christmas traditions.
1. SIMBANG GABI. Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day Dawn Masses or Simbang Gabi that start on December 16. These nine Dawn Masses are also considered as a Novena by the Catholic faithful. Simbang Gabi (Evening Mass) is also called Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster), Misa de Aguinaldo (Aguinaldo means gift), Advent Novena, or Angel's Mass. It traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas Mass outdoors because the church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the Evening Mass. During the old times, the pre-Dawn Mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells and sometimes a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. By 5:00 AM, the Mass was over and the men were off to the fields.
2. CAROLING. A group of carolers visit houses to sing Christmas songs. Some of these carolers raise funds for less fortunate families through caroling, while others are simply doing it for the joy of singing. Some carolers may be a group of friends, or belonging to the same community or civic organization. Others may be family relatives who have made it a tradition to sing together as a family. Famous Filipino songs sung during caroling are: Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Pasko Na Naman, Kay Sigla ng Gabi, Sa May Bahay ang Aming Bati and Pasko Na Sinta ko.
3. PANUNULUYAN (Filipino version of the Mexican 'Posada') This is a Philippine Christmas dramatic ritual narrating the Holy Family's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus Christ's birth in song. The panunuluyan is held on Christmas Eve. The procession begins with the images of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary on floats being wheeled out of from the church courtyard at about 7 pm. Two singers vocalize the two parts accompanied by musicians. They stop at three or four homes throughout the barrio or town. These represent inns and at each they plead for lodging in song. The singers representing the house owners or innkeepers inform them that they cannot provide lodging for different reasons. One sings that his house is overflowing with guests, a couple may claim to be too poor to take them in, another person gives the excuse that the real owner is out, or argues that it is unsafe to let in strangers at night. The ritual ends towards midnight, where the midnight Mass is about to begin. At the singing of the "Gloria" the nativity scene is unveiled at the altar.
4. NOCHE BUENA (Spanish for 'the Good Night') On Christmas Eve, family members partake of a sumptuous Filipino meal by twelve midnight, called Noche Buena. This usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening Mass or church service about an hour or so before midnight. The typical Noche Buena foods prepared on the table are: lechon, pancit, fried chicken, lumpia, rice, adobo, among others for the main course; desserts include halo-halo salad, rice cakes, ice cream, patries and cakes. Noche Buena is also an opportunity for family get together, opening of Christmas gifts, singing and story-telling.
5. AGUINALDO (Gift Giving) Christmas in the Philippines is the day for presents, for obeisances to godparents, and for visits to friends and relatives. In general, members of the family exchange gifts following a traditional Noche Buena. Godchildren visit their godparents on Christmas day to ask for their blessings and, in turn, godparents traditionally hand over gifts to their godchildren. It is also during Christmas day that big family reunions are held with a feast of good food, singing, and dancing.
FROM http://www.seasite.niu.edu
