Christmas is not the same without caroling. In fact, Filipinos also love to express the joys of Christmas season through songs called caroling. It is an integral part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. “Misa de Gallo” or Dawn Mass, Simbang Gabi often witnesses carolers quick on their feet to sing cheerful and heartfelt Christmas carols form house to house to spread the season’s spirit.
Little children form their own groups and hops from a house to another house singing Christmas songs such as “Silent night”, “Jingle Bells”, Filipino Christmas songs like “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”, “Pasko na naman”, “Namamasko” and other traditional and modern songs.
The ingenuity of Filipino can also be seen in caroling. Carolers usually have handmade musical instruments like tambourine made out of bottle tops, drums made from cans or biscuit tins. The caroler will be very delighted when you hand them coins as a sing of appreciation. After you do, they will be sure to sing thank you for your generosity, which goes “thank you, thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo.”
Caroling does not only apply to children, even church organizations, clubs, group of friends get into singing Christmas tunes to raise funds. Some of these groups will give you a letter in advance to inform you the date and time they plan to go into caroling at your house.
Most of these caroling groups carry musical instruments such as guitar, drums and tambourine to make their performance even livelier. These groups dedicate time and effort into practicing the songs weeks in advance. They are most ready to sing from their hearts to spread the joy and warmth of the Yuletide season. Caroling is a tradition kept alive in the spirit of generosity is in the air this Christmas season.
Simbang Gabi is part of the Filipino tradition when observing the season of Christmas. It is one of the longest and most popular traditions in the Philippines. This is a time when Catholic churches across the country open the door shortly before the break of dawn to usher in people to the Simbang Gabi.
Simbang Gabi literally translated means Mass at Dawn observed as a series of nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother Mary. Simbang Gabi is alos known by its famous Spanish name as the Misa de Gallo or “mass of the rooster”. The annual novena starts at December 16 as early as 4 in the morning. It is symbolical to Catholics since it commemorates the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is quite traditional to see the “panuluyan” reenacted during the mass as an effort to show how Joseph and Mary found a birthplace.
“Panuluyan” is best illustrated with a “Belen” or the Nativity Scene that counts as a Filipino Christmas decoration. Ii displays the baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and Saint Joseph. The holy family is surrounded with shepherds and farm animals. A complete set of Belen includes three wise men along with their gifts to infant Jesus and the shining star of Bethlehem guiding them in their journey.
Origin of Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi was born following its roots in Mexico in 1587. It was when the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the covenant of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Mass outdoors during Christmas. The Church then could not accommodate the large number of people who were attending the evening mass. The pre-dawn mass is usually announced by the ringing of the church bells during the old times. While in some rural areas, a brass band plays Christmas carols loud enough to be heard all over the town. It was believed that parish priests would go as far as knocking on doors to wake and call all faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Some farmers also pray for a good harvest when they hear the Gospel before going to the sea and fish.
How Simbang Gabi Changes
Up to this modern age, Simbang Gabi is upholded and celebrated in new ways. It continues to be a part of the tradition of Christmas in the Philippines. Christmas is felt everywhere even at churches where lanterns or parols with colorful lights fill every streets and every window. Christmas songs are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends, lovers and relatives frequent to the nearest local church to attend the nine day novena of Simbang Gabi.
Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies are sold in stalls outside the church. It is usual to see Filipino favorites like bibingka (rice cake), puto bungbong, suman sa pasko, suman sa ibos served with tea or coffee. Breakfast roll or hot pandesal are also a popular breakfast food among Filipinos. When the last of the nine Misa de Gallo has ended, families hurry home to celebrate Noche Buena and feasts on bountiful Filipino food and delicacies such as queso de bola or edam cheese, tsokolate or hot native chocolate drink jamon en dulce or ham, pancit, barbeque, lechon or suckling pig, Western and native cakes, lumpia, rice among many others.
Importance of Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi is more than a mere tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. Simbang Gabi continues to be a significant moment where it strengthens the relationships among family members and a time to restrengthen our faith in God. This is a special time when we feel the loving presence of our Lord and a spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Most Filipino believes a sincere wish granted when the nine series of masses are completed. It does not matter ,however, when one failed to attend the Simbang Gabi from December 16 up to eve of Christmas. The blessings given by the Lord does not depend on the number of masses attended. What really matters is what lies inside the heart and the sincerity and morale o the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.
