Preparation for Christmas in the Philippines: Simbang Gabi
Posted On December 18, 2009
With the Christmas holidays quickly approaching, preparation is richly different in many cultures all over the world. In the Philippines, where the Xaverian Missionaries have worked since 1989, the octave of Christmas is called Simbang Gabi in Tagalog.
“Simbang Gabi” a Filipino Christmas tradition, is a series of nine (9) dawn masses, the mass starts as early as 4:00 a.m or even earlier. It begins on December 16 and ends on the midnight of the 24th of December, which is the midnight mass of Christmas.
This tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars in the 15th century to allow the farmers to attend 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 which is lush with celebration. The liturgical color is white and even the “Gloria” is sung in full vigor, as Christmas if already arrived.
Today, these masses are still done in the early morning hours, although that is changing. In our parish in the Philippines we started aby 3 am. This celebration is unique in the world. It is also celebrated with Filipino communities across the US as a way to share the richness of Filipino culture. Here is one example in the Diocese of Arlington. Here is another example in the Diocese of San Jose.
Along with a special mass in the early hours of the morning, there is the aromas of native Christmas delicacies outside tempt churchgoers. Piping hot bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong (a purple sticky rice delicacy steamed in wooden tubes), salabat (ginger tea) and thick cocoa are among the traditional breakfast treats for sleep-deprived devotees. This time is also a unique opportunity for young people to find new love in massive crowds that celebrate the Eucharist.
Check out a favorite Christmas song of mine with the translation below the video:
Pasko na sinta ko
Hanap-hanap kita
Bakit ka nagtampo
Iniwan ako
It’s Christmas, my love
I’m longing for you
What did I do
that made you leave me
Kung mawawala ka
Sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Pasko
Inulila mo
If you’ll be gone
From my side, my love
What will happen to my Christmas
That you made so lonely
Refrain:
Sayang sinta ang sinumpaan
At pagtitinginang tunay
Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap
Ang ating suyuan at galak
Our promises have gone to waste, my love
And our love that was so true
Do you wish to forget everything
All our affection and joys
Kung mawawala ka
Sa piling ko sinta
Paao ang Paskong
Alay ko sa iyo.
If you’ll be gone
From my side, my love
What will happen to my Christmas
That I offer to you
One Comment
very good translation father of 'pasko na sinta ko'. ang galing mo father. kakamiss ang pasko sa pinas.