There’s not much difference in the way Pinoys from the cities and those from the provinces celebrate Christmas. No matter where you are in the Philippines, a promdi or a city dweller, Christmas is basically celebrated the same way.
1. Simbang Gabi, Misa de Aguinaldo or Misa de Gallo are pre-dawn masses that starts on December 16 unti December 24. Churches all over the Philippines are full during this time of the year. People wake up early in the morning to attend mass that usually starts at 4am.
Misa de Gallo in Spanish means “Mass at Rooster’s Crow”. The custom began in Spanish times, when farm workers wanted to have Mass very early before they go to work. It is said that if you complete the the nine novena mass, your wish will be granted.
2. Kakanin. Simbang gabi would not be complete without the customary bibingka and puto bungbung. We don’t have puto bungbung here in the Visayas but we do have our own version of the bibingka.
3. Parol. These lighted star lanterns can only be found here in the Philippines. They represent the star that guided the journey of the three magis. Although more modern variations such as the Pampanga lanterns have become favorite among Pinoys, the lowly parols still remain Pinoys’ centerpiece in Christmas decorations.
4. Caroling. We call this Daigon in Hiligaynon. Carolers would visit your house and serenade you with Christmas songs. In exchange, you can give them food or money. This is usually done as a form of fund raising. Children usually do this using improvised tambourine from flattened soft drink crowns joined together by a metal wire. I’ve done this as a child and now my nephews and nieces are doing it. Christmas is so much fun for a child.
5. Firecrackers. Filipinos got this from the Chinese. Firecrackers are supposed to drive off evil spirits. Thus it is always present in any Filipino celebration especially during new year’s day celebration.
6. Gift-giving. How many inaanaks do you have? I lost count of mine. Though at times like this, it’s not always practical to give gifts, I consider giving gifts to children a must. Children would always remember who gave them gifts during Christmas and I also believe that Christmas is really for them.
7. Noche Buena. Pinoys would often celebrate Christmas Eve at home, with family. This is the time of year that a lot of family members who are away would come home to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. No matter how extravagant your noche buena is, it would not be as delicious if not spent with the ones closest to your heart.
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Hello again. This post reminds me of how my Christmases in Bicol had been. The last one was a long long time ago. You’re right, Parol is THE star among the Filipino ornaments. It’s such a pretty tradition.
Karmis last blog post..Happy foreigner
@Kami – Iba talaga ang Christmas si Pinas no? Though I haven’t spent mine anywhere else, a lot of friends abroad would always be nostalgic about spending Christmas here.