"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. TheSimbang 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.
