The Christmas season in the Philippines is like no other.

 

Christmas in the Philippines has no equal.  Filipinos probably observe the longest Christmas season in the whole world.  The official start is placed at the first day of the Simbang Gabi at December 16 and ends at Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings at the first Sunday of January the following year.  However, Filipinos have been known to get into the Christmas mood as early as September which is the first of the so-called “ber months” or months ending in “ber”.

History of Christmas in the Philippines

Because of Christmas’ association with the Catholic religion in the Philippines, it is widely believed that Christmas was first celebrated during the rule of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565.  However, there are records that would show that a Nativity Mass was held in 1521 by an Italian priest supposedly on the shores of Pangasinan.  It has to be noted though that prior to the coming of these foreign personalities, Filipino natives have already been practicing thanksgiving rituals of more or less a similar nature.

The long history of the Philippines as a colonized country resulted to a Philippine Christmas that is a rich mix of cultures and traditions.  From the Spanish, the Filipinos got the Misa de Gallo, the Noche Buena and Media Noche, the Belen, and the parol.  The Americans introduced the Filipinos to Sta. Claus, chestnuts, snow, Christmas cards and carols.  Influences of other cultures are more subtle but have blended quite easily with the Philippine culture especially those that came from neighboring countries.

The Religious Aspect of Philippine Christmas

Most, if not all, religious practices related to Christmas as done in the Philippines originate from the practice of the Catholic religion.  The traditional Simbang Gabi consists of nine dawn masses typically heard at four in the morning. Current practice has also accommodated the evening masses for those who find it difficult to attend the dawn masses.  This is a practice that spans three centuries and started when a Spanish priest gathered farmers for a thanksgiving ritual that coincided with Christmas.

Christmas for the Catholic Filipinos is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Thus, all surrounding activities are more or less related to this belief.  All the rest are considered trimmings for an event that is founded on faith.

The Cultural Aspect of Philippine Christmas

Since the Philippines has been exposed to other cultures as well because of subsequent colonization, absorbing other Christmas practices was inevitable. The practice of the Noche Buena and Media Noche, giving aguinaldo or gifts by godparents, the Panunuluyan , and displaying Christmas ornaments such as parol are hold-over practices from Spanish influence.  Aside from those mentioned above, the Americans also gave us the Christmas tree, candy canes, and the reindeers.   Asian neighbors lent their exotic food and use of firecrackers.

Christmas is a time for the Filipino family to be together.  Those who are working or permanently residing abroad usually take this time to come home.  Those who are unable to do so usually burn the telephone lines or try to be with their family through the Internet.

My Say

Philippine Christmas is something to be experienced to be truly understood. It is unique, joyful, and memorable and it has come on its own. There is nothing like Christmas in the Philippines.