Back when I was a child, my parents would bring me to parish churches early in the morning to take part in an early church service in the days leading up to Christmas. This is Simbang Gabi, a centuries-old tradition that forms an important part of celebrating the yuletide season in the Philippines. Held before dawn from December 16 to 24, this is something that we, Filipinos, and as a Roman Catholic myself, cherish. It is believed that one devotee who completes the traditional nine-day novena will make his/her wishes granted.
 |
| Christmas decorations illuminate the sanctuary of the Manila Cathedral before the pre-dawn Mass of Simbang Gabi in December 2023. |
Traditions and customs
Simbang Gabi started during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, most specifically in 1669. Traditionally known as Misa de Gallo, it was held very early in the morning, just before sunrise, primarily to accommodate farmers who started working very early in the morning. The Philippines is primarily an agricultural country, and it makes up 8.6 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The farmers would wake up early to hear Mass to thank the Lord and ask Him to protect their crops.
The nine-day series of Masses, commonly called as a novena, starts on December 16 and ends on Christmas Eve. Priests would celebrate a votive Mass each day in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, who carried Jesus in her womb for nine months. It usually starts at 04:00 at most churches.
By attending these Masses, you show respect to God and heighten your anticipation for Christ's birth. Additionally, when you complete all nine Masses, folk belief holds that your wish may be granted by God.
 |
| The Manila Cathedral illuminated with Christmas decorations after the fifth day of the traditional Misa de Gallo on December 20, 2023. |
Over time, the traditions stood the test of time despite American occupation and World War II. In the 1970s, as curfews were imposed during the imposition of martial law by then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., churches began to hold Masses at different schedules. As more and more devotees became accustomed to this cherished tradition, churches began holding evening Masses from December 15 to 23. Known as the modern-day "Simbang Gabi" in strict definition (as "Misa de Gallo" applies to pre-dawn Masses in strict definition as well), it usually starts at 20:00 or as early as 19:00, primarily catering to day-shift labor workers.
Today, Simbang Gabi, loosely expanded to include the pre-dawn Masses (Misa de Gallo), remains an important Christmas tradition.
My personal experiences over the years
The Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word (SVD) in Quezon City after the fourth day of the traditional Misa de Gallo on December 20, 2014.
I was introduced to Simbang Gabi when I was seven years old. On the days leading up to Christmas Day, my parents would wake me up early in the morning to go to church. When we were still residing near a creek in Quezon City, we would ride a jeepney to the Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word, located within the Christ the King Seminary along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue. When we transferred to a barrio (locally barangay) behind the Quezon City Hall in 2016, the nearest parish church — the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish — was just three minutes away by tricycle.
 |
| Devotees fill the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. James the Greater in Ibaan, Batangas, to almost its full capacity on the fourth day of Simbang Gabi on December 18, 2022. |
As a child back then, I wondered why churches in the Philippines hold Masses that early, at 04:00 in the morning. As I matured over time, however, I began to research about the history of our nation and finally figured out why: the pre-dawn Masses, like I wrote earlier, were originally intended for farmers, but as the tradition became popular, more people like me became accustomed to it. I now do the Simbang Gabi every year as a pre-Christmas preparation and show my high anticipation of the commemoration of the nativity of Jesus Christ.
I was not eager enough to finish all mornings because of the very early timing of these Masses. In 2019, I missed only one morning after failing to attend the first day. By 2020, however, the pandemic stopped us from attending the traditional novena. Hope was restored in 2021, when I physically attended my first Simbang Gabi in two years. By 2023, I finally completed all nine mornings of the novena, and as a result, my wishes of more friends and excitement in 2024 were finally granted.
 |
| Bibingka is one of my favorite Pinoy dishes for Simbang Gabi. It is usually served on banana leaves. |
After Mass, I would usually look for stalls selling bibingka and puto bumbong — two popular dishes sold by vendors outside churches. I would frequently choose to start my day with bibingka — a simple rice cake, while occasionally trying puto bumbong — purple pastries seasoned with usually grated coconut and brown sugar. These delicacies were also originally purposed for the farmers; this now became my favorite pre-Christmas dishes.
Overall, this tradition sets the Philippines apart from other countries celebrating the yuletide season. These traditions we cherish forms part of our culture and our history.
Merry Christmas, viewers! Watch my video here:
For more updates, visit my blog site and subscribe to my YouTube channel, Enzo's Travel Journals!
Comments
Post a Comment