Christmas in the Philippines

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Parols and Christmas lights on display at night. The parol is regarded as one of the most iconic and important symbols of the Filipino Christmas season.[1][2]

In the Philippines, Christmas (Filipino: Pasko; [pɐsˈkɔ] ⓘ)[a] is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. It is celebrated as a public holiday in the country on December 25, concurrent with other countries.

As one of the two predominantly

East Timor), the Philippines celebrates the world's longest Christmas season (Filipino: Kapaskuhan),[1][3] spanning what it refers to as the "ber months".[b] With Christmas music played as early as August,[4] the holiday season gradually begins by September, reaches its peak in December during Christmastide, and concludes within the week after New Year's Day;[c][5] however, festivities may last until the third Sunday of January, the feast day of the Santo Niño.[6][7] Liturgically, the Christmas season is observed by the Catholic Church from the first day of Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas)[8] to Three Kings' Day, which falls on the Sunday between January 2 and 8.[d]

Etymology and nomenclature

In

Spanish-based creole),[15] Hiligaynon,[16] and Ilocano,[17] the Spanish-derived word pascua is still in use, although its spelling may vary.[g] In Kapampangan, Pasku (also spelled Pascu), a word related to Tagalog Paskó, is used.[18][19] Krismas, a Filipinized rendering of the English word Christmas, is also used occasionally in non-formal contexts.[20][21]

The word Paskó serves as the root word of some Christmas-related terms,[22] such as Kapaskuhán, the name for the Christmas season;[23] namamaskó, a caroller;[24] pamamaskó, the act of caroling;[25][26] pamaskó, a Christmas gift or present;[22][26][27] and pampaskó, or pang-Paskó, which literally means "for Christmas" and may refer to clothing worn on the day of the holiday.[28][29] Add to this, pamamasko is the act of Christian children going from house to house greeting Christmas cheers their relatives or friends and asking Christmas gifts whether in cash or in kind. It is the time after they went to church on every Christmas morning.

History

The celebrations of Christmas in the Philippines have deep influences of

Christmas season
in the world, which begins on September 1.

Activities

The various ethnic groups in the Philippines observe different Christmas traditions, and the following are generally common.

Christmas traditions

Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo

Main article: Simbang Gabi
The altar of the Manila Cathedral decorated with Christmas trees for Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi ("Night Mass";

Evangelical Christian and independent Protestant churches having adopted the practise of pre-Christmas dawn services. Attending the Masses is meant to show devotion to God and heightened anticipation for Christ's birth
, and folk belief holds that God grants the special wish of a devotee who hears all nine Masses.

Morning observance of Simbang Gabi during this holiday begins, typically at 04:00, or as early as 02:30 or as late as 05:00 or even 06:00 (or rarely, 06:30)

traditional Filipino holiday fare for breakfast outside the church and eat it either within the church precincts or at home. Vendors offer many native delicacies, including bibingka (rice flour and egg-based cake, cooked using coal burners above and under); putò bumbóng (a purple, sticky rice delicacy steamed in bamboo tubes, buttered then sprinkled with brown sugar and shredded dried coconut meat). Drinks include coffee, salabát (ginger tea) and tsokolate (thick, Spanish-style hot chocolate
). Some Aglipayan churches invite the congregation to partake of the "paínit" (literally, "heater"), a post-Mass snack of mostly rice pastries served with coffee or cocoa at the house of the Mass sponsor. The bibingka and putò bumbóng are also served to those attending the anticipated evening Masses together with dinner.

Christmas Eve

See also: Christmas Eve § Philippines
lechón
as the centerpiece

For Catholic Filipinos,

Noche Buena (Filipino Spanish "Good Night") feast.[31]
Family members dine together at around midnight. Some families would also open presents at this time.

Noche Buena

See also: Christmas dinner § Philippines

The

soda, wine, beer, alcoholic drinks, and fruit juices.[32][33][34][35][36][37]

Panunulúyan

Panunulúyan in Ibaan, Batangas

In different provinces and schools, the journey of

Virgin Mary in search of lodging is re-enacted. The pageant, traditionally called the "Panunulúyan", "Pananawágan", or "Pananapátan", is modeled after the Spanish Las Posadas
.

The Panunulúyan is performed after dark, with the actors portraying Joseph and the Virgin Mary going to pre-designated houses. They perform a chant meant to rouse the "owners of the house" (also actors) to request for lodging. The owners then cruelly turn them away, sometimes also in song, saying that their house is already filled with other guests. Finally, Joseph and Mary make their way to the parish church where a replica of the stable is set up. The birth of Jesus is celebrated at midnight with the Misa de Gallo.

Christmas Day

Illuminated lights in Misamis Oriental Capitol Hall.
Fireworks display in University of Santo Tomas pyromusical show concert during opening ceremony of illuminating in Christmas.

Christmas Day in the Philippines is primarily a family affair. The Misa de Gallo is celebrated on December 25 and is usually one of several Masses that all family members (including non-churchgoers) are present and is often celebrated between 10 pm and midnight, a schedule preferred by many Filipinos who stay up late on Christmas Eve for the night-long celebration of the Noche Buena. Fireworks and most merrymaking devices are sometimes used at the start of Christmas.

Preferably in the morning, Filipinos typically visit their extended family, especially to pay their respects to senior relatives. This custom of giving respect is enacted through the "

banknotes, often placed in a sealed envelope such as an ang pao
. Godparents, in particular, are socially obligated to give presents or aguinaldo to their godchildren, to whom they often give larger amounts compared to other younger relatives.

A festive lunch may follow the "Págmamáno". The menu is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family, with richer families preparing grand feasts while poorer families choose to cook simple yet special dishes. Some families choose to open presents on this day after the lunch.

When nighttime falls, members of the family usually return home or linger to drink, play parlor games, and chat. Some may opt to have another feast for dinner, while a minority spend the entire day at home to rest after the previous days' festivities. Filipinos do hang out with family and friends at the park or plaza with illuminating colorful lights and giant Christmas tree or shopping to buy for a gifts and dine in at the malls.

Niños Inocentes

April Fool's Day.[38]
One of the widely practiced pranks on this day is to borrow money without the intention of paying back. Creditors are usually helpless in getting remuneration from borrower, and are instead forewarned not to lend money on this day. Victims of such pranks were once called out, "Na-Niños Inocentes ka!"

New Year's Eve

Fireworks in Cebu with behind of Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway Bridge.

On December 31 (Bisperas ng Bagong Taón), Filipino families gather for the Media Noche a lavish midnight feast that supposedly symbolizes their hopes for prosperity in the coming year, and lasts until the following morning as with the

Noche Buena
taken on Christmas Eve.

Filipinos make noise both to greet the New Year and in the belief that the din exorcises their surroundings of malevolent spirits. In spite of the yearly ban (due to the national government restrictions), people in most towns and cities customarily light

firecrackers
, or employ safer methods of merrymaking such as banging on pots and pans and blowing car horns.

Other traditions and beliefs include encouraging children to jump at the stroke of midnight to increase their height; displaying circular fruit such as oranges; wearing clothes with dots and other circular designs to symbolize coins and money; eating twelve grapes at midnight for good luck in the twelve months of the year (a Spanish custom); and opening all windows and doors to let in the blessings on the first day of the year.

Three Kings' Day

Christmas officially ends on the

Feast of the Epiphany, more commonly known as Three Kings' Day (Spanish: Día de los Tres Reyes; Filipino: Araw ng Tatlóng Harì), which falls on the first Sunday after New Year's Day.[h][39]

A dying tradition is the Hispanic custom of children leaving their shoes out by the window or the door, so that the Three Kings can leave small gifts like candy or money inside upon their descent on Twelfth Night.

Feast of the Black Nazarene

Main article: Feast of the Black Nazarene
Feast of the Black Nazarene procession in Quiapo, Manila on January 9, 2012

The Black Nazarene, whose devotees are primarily centered in Manila and Cagayan de Oro, is borne in procession on January 9 after a novena in its honor. The date commemorates the image's 1787 Traslación (solemn transfer) from its original location in what is now Rizal Park to its present shrine in the Quiapo District of the city.

Feast of the Santo Niño

The latest date for the end of popular Christmas celebrations is the Feast of the

Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan Province, the Dinagyang in Iloilo, the Kahimunan in Butuan, and the feasts of the Holy Child in the districts of Tondo and Pandacan in Manila. The National Cathedral or the Central Church of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente or Aglipayans
is dedicated to the Santo Niño and other several parishes and missions around the country.

Santo Niño feasts in the Philippines
Kalibo, Aklan
Dinagyang in Iloilo City

The Feast of Our Lady of the Candles

In older traditions (which are still kept in the liturgical calendar of the Extraordinary Form of the Mass) Christmas lasted until Candlemas, or the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of the Baby Jesus at the Temple. This marked the end of a long 40-day "Christmastide" corresponding to the 40 days of Lent. This date falls on February 2, after Mary had participated in a rite of purification in according to the ancient Candlemas festival rooted in Halakha (Jewish law). This is also when Simeon makes his well-known prophecy to Mary and Joseph about the Holy Child, of Jesus being a light for the Gentiles. Many parishes, if possible will still keep their nativity scenes displayed up until the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2.[40]

This final salvo is marked by the Feast of Our Lady of the Candles in Jaro, Iloilo City, where the image is enshrined in the Jaro Cathedral, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, where Tridentine Masses are celebrated in commemoration. Similar celebrations are held nationwide in towns where Our Lady of the Candles is its patroness, including Candelaria, Quezon, whose town fiesta is celebrated on this date.

Decorations

Santa Claus figurines and other Christmas decorations sold in Quezon City ahead of the "ber" months on August 31, 2022

Due to

angels
, and in a large variety of other ways, going as far as draping the whole outside of the house in lights. Despite these, the Philippines still retains its traditional decorations.

Paról

A traditional parol on a house as Christmas decoration

Every Christmas season, Filipino homes and buildings are adorned with star-shaped lanterns, called paról from the Spanish farol, meaning "lantern" or "lamp".[41] These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the magi, also known as the Three Kings (Tagalog: Tatlóng Harì). Paról are as beloved and iconic to Filipinos as Christmas trees are to Westerners.

The most common form of the lantern is a

Filipino
children often craft them as a school project or for leisure.

The Giant Lantern Festival is an annual festival held the Saturday before Christmas Eve in San Fernando, Pampanga. The festival features a competition of giant lanterns, and the popularity of the festival has earned the city the moniker, "Christmas Capital of the Philippines."

Belén

See also: Nativity scene
A Catholic nun looks at the nativity scene figures inside the Manila Cathedral-Basilica in Intramuros, Manila on December 7, 2022

Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belén—a

St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals, and is surmounted by an angel
, the Star or both.

Belén were introduced by the Spanish since the 16th century. They are an ubiquitous and iconic Christmas symbol in the Philippines, on par with the

Americans introduced the Christmas tree.[42][43][44][45][46] Most churches in the Philippines also transform their altars into a Belén at Christmas. They are also found in schools (which also hold nativity plays), government buildings, commercial establishments, and in public spaces.[47][48][49]

A Belén set up in the altar of the Candon Church with a parol above it

Belén can be seen in homes, churches, schools and even office buildings; the ones on office buildings can be extravagant, using different materials for the figures and using Christmas lights, parols for the Star, and painted background scenery. A notable outdoor belén in

Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan when the COD building closed down in 2002. The last known display in Greenhills was held from November 2016 to January 2017, before returning to Cubao in 2018 at the Times Square Park.[50] This belén is a lights and sounds presentation, the story being narrated over speakers set up and most probably using automatons to make the figures move up and down, or turn, etc. Each year, the company owning it changes the theme from the Nativity Story, with variations such as a fairground story, and Santa Claus
' journey.

Tarlac City, Tarlac is known as the "Belén Capital of the Philippines" holds the annual "Belenísmo sa Tarlac". It is a belén-making contest which is participated by establishments and residents in Tarlac. Giant versions of the belén with different themes are displayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the entire season.

Caroling

In the Philippines, children in small groups go from house to house singing Christmas carols, which they called pangangaroling. Makeshift instruments include tambourines made with tansans (aluminum bottle caps) strung on a piece of wire. With the traditional chant of "Namamasko po!", these carolers wait expectantly for the homeowners to reward them with coins. Afterward, the carolers thank the generous homeowners by singing "Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo (you are so kind), thank you!"

An example of a traditional Filipino carol is a part of a series known as "Maligayang Pasko", which is commonly called "Sa maybahay ang aming bati". The tradition of carols stems from the long years of Spanish rule, in which traditions practiced in Spanish Latin America during this time of the year were adopted to suit Philippine conditions.

Aguinaldo

This is a word heard repeatedly during the Christmas Season in the Philippines. Presently, the term is interpreted as gift or money received from benefactors. Aguinaldo is a Spanish term for bonus. Its prevalent use may have originated from Filipino workers of the Spanish era, receiving extra pay from the generosity of the rich employers during the celebration of the Christmas season.

Rice cakes

Several rice cakes often sold outside churches during Simbang Gabi, providing a warm, sweet treat in the early morning hours.[51]

  • Puto bumbong has a distinctive purple color which comes naturally from a sticky rice called “pirurutong”[52]
  • Bibingka is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and water, which are poured into a clay pot lined with banana leaves[53]
  • Puto is made from mixing fermented rice with yeast overnight to create a dough which is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to create small, puffy, rounded cakes.[54]
  • Kutsinta, looking like a rounded piece of toffee, is made by steaming a mix of rice flour, tapioca, brown sugar, and lye, which is then colored with yellow food coloring or annatto tree extract[53]

Songs

Further information: List of Filipino Christmas carols and songs

The song "Christmas in Our Hearts", released by Jose Mari Chan in 1990,[55] has become the most famous song for Christmas in the Philippines.[56] It is synonymous with the start of the Christmas season, often played in homes, shopping malls, and on radio stations as early as September.[51]

Countdowns

For Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad, the countdown to Christmas gradually begins by September—a popular starting point is September 16, the 100-day mark before Christmas Day[57]—reaching its peak in December, and concludes at midnight between December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25 (Christmas Day).[58][59]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ For the names of Christmas in other languages spoken in the Philippines, see § Etymology and nomenclature.
  2. ^ The months ending with the -ber suffix, i.e. September, October, November, and December
  3. ^ In other words, holiday season concludes on the first week of January.
  4. ^ Also known as Epiphany, which is generally observed on January 6 in the General Roman Calendar; however, some countries, including the Philippines, observe it between January 2 and 8.[9]
  5. ^ In the Filipino-language phrase Paskó ng (Muling) Pagkabuhay (lit. 'Pasch of the Resurrection'), Paskó means "Pasch" or "Easter".[10] Paskó, when used by itself, specifically refers to Christmas.
  6. ^ Ancient Greek πάσχα (páskha) was itself borrowed from Aramaic פסחא (paskha), which in turn was borrowed from Hebrew פסח (pésakh).
  7. ^ For example, in the aforementioned Hiligaynon and Ilocano languages, it is spelled Paskwa[16] and Paskua,[17] respectively.
  8. ^ In other words, Christmas officially ends on the Feast of the Epiphany, which falls on the first Sunday of January.

References

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  3. ^ Pitrelli, Monica Buchanan (December 20, 2021). "The country that celebrates Christmas for more than 4 months a year". CNBC. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  4. ^ Maxabella, Bron (December 20, 2021). "A very Filipino Christmas: Early starts, pigs and plenty of flan". SBS Food. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  5. ^ "The 'ber' months are here, bringing good tidings". Manila Bulletin. September 1, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  6. GMA News
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  7. ^ "Origins of Pinoy Christmas traditions". Inquirer Pop!. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  8. ^ Medenilla, Samuel P. (September 6, 2021). "Avoid commercialization of Christmas–CBCP exec". BusinessMirror. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  9. ^ Hermoso, Christina P. (January 3, 2021). "Feast of the Epiphany marks end of Christmas Season". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
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  31. ^ Leibowitz, Angela Dimayuga, as told to Karen (December 4, 2017). "A Merry and Bright Filipino-American Christmas". Retrieved December 1, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  33. ^ Tan, Kim Shelly (September 29, 2023). "17 Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods That Every Filipino Should've Had At Least Once". TheSmartLocal Philippines. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  34. ^ "10 Classic Filipino Noche Buena Food and Dishes". Behold Philippines. 22 December 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  35. ^ Mohamed, Sarah (19 November 2023). "Here's What Christmas Dinner Looks Like In The Philippines". Food Republic. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  36. ^ "12 Uniquely Filipino Christmas Dishes during Noche Buena". The Filipino Times. 24 December 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  37. ^ "The Filipino Christmas Countdown: 12 Dishes for the Noche Buena". Pinoy Kitchen. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  38. ^ "FunFare with Ricardo F. Lo". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 16, 2015. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
  39. ^ Hermoso, Christina (2021-01-03). "Feast of the Epiphany marks end of Christmas Season". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  40. ^ "Does Christmas End on Epiphany?". January 6, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  41. ^ 'Merriam Webster – English English- Spanish Dictionary
  42. ^ Bondoc, Joshua (December 22, 2021). "Christmas in our isles, a long enduring feast (First published 1978, TV Times magazine)". PhilStar Global. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  43. ^ Ferrolino, Mark Louis F. (December 15, 2017). "A Christmas like no other". BusinessWorld. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  44. ^ Macairan, Evelyn (December 19, 2010). "'Belen most important Christmas decor'". PhilStar Global. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  45. ISBN 9780814732977
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  46. ^ Laquian, Eleanor R. "Christmas Belen tradition brings Baby Jesus to Vancouver homes". CanadianFilipino.net. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  47. ISBN 9781438119717
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  48. ISBN 9781551996073
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  50. ^ Soliman, Michelle Anne P. (November 27, 2018). "COD display returns to Cubao". BusinessWorld. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  51. ^ a b "Top 10 Unique Filipino Christmas Traditions". Asia Media Centre | New Zealand. 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  52. ^ "The many ways to enjoy puto bumbong". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  53. ^ a b "The traditional Philippines' Christmas dawn Mass treats". Aleteia — Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News, and Culture. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
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  55. ^ "Jose Mari Chan deserves to be named National Artist for immortal Christmas song--solon". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  56. ^ Abunda, Boy. "Jose Mari Chan shares an interesting story about Christmas in Our Hearts". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  57. ^ Casal, Marj (September 26, 2017). "Why does Christmas in the Philippines start in September?". RAPPLER. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  58. ^ "Ber Months". 2024.
  59. ^ "Jose Mari Chan trends online a day before the start of the 'BER' months".

Works cited
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