Filipino Christmas Tradition - Simbang Gabi

"Simbang Gabi" a Filipino Christmas tradition, it is is a series of nine (9) dawn masses, the mass starts as early as 4:00 a.m. It begins on December 16 and ends on the midnight of the 24th of December, which is the midnight mass.

This tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name as the Misa de Gallo, or ``mass of the rooster.''

In the olden days, the church bells start ringing as early as three o' clock waking people up so they can get ready for the four o'clock dawn mass.

The Roman Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithfuls to the Simbang Gabi mass.

Today, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues whether you live in the city or in the province, although it is celebrated in new ways. Most churches are decorated with colourful lights and beautiful parol lanterns to welcome the church goers.

The Nativity Scene or "Belen" is displayed in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It shows Baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and St. Joseph. There are shepherds and farm animals. A complete scenario of the Belen includes the three wise men carrying their gifts to Infant Jesus and the star of Bethlehem that guided them in their journey.

Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies awaits the church goers and are sold in stalls right outside the church, Favourites like bibingka, puto (rice cakes), puto bungbong, suman sa pasko, suman sa ibos and usually served with tea or coffee. Hot pandesal (breakfast roll ) are also very popular.

Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. but it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. The Simbang Gabi is also seen as a way of requesting blessings from the Lord,as most people believe that if one completes the whole series of nine dawn masses, wishes will be granted

Over the years, Filipinos communities have made some changes in the celebration of Simbang Gabi, some urban parishes now celebrates Misa de Gallo around 8- 9 in the evening in order to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules.

The Simbang Gabi tradition is also practised by Catholic Filipinos communities who are living elsewhere in the world. No matter how or when this celebration takes place, the Simbang Gabi provides a strong indication of the depth of Catholicism among the Filipino people.