"Pasko", Christmas in the Philippines
Christmas is one of the most-celebrated events in my country. Like any other nation, it speaks about giving gifts to friends and relatives, building the Christmas tree, decorating the house with colorful lights, lanterns, wreaths (and what have you), savoring big and heavy meals, and of course---dedicating the birth of the Lord Jesus.
Misa de Gallo in Binondo Church in Manila
The Simbang Gabi
Though Christmas is joyfully honored around the world, each country has their own unique tradition. Here in the Catholic-centered Philippines, locals from different districts often visit their churches for the Simbang Gabi, a ritual novena performed which starts from December 16 and ends on December 24. Simbang Gabi, which translates to Evening Mass is usually performed as early as 4 or 5 in the morning. The last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo, which literally translates to "Rooster's Mass". (info taken from Wikipedia) and as the elderly says, if one completes the church services, they can make a wish and it will definitely come true!
Kakanin
Aside from the much-awaited meals in every home, the kakanin or rice dessert is one of the important lists on the menu. The bibingka composes of a certain flour, sugar, and coconut milk. When baked in the fire it becomes yellow in color, and then topped with butter, cheese, salted egg, sugar and grated fresh coconut and a banana leaf that serves as a plate.
bibingka
Misa de Gallo in Binondo Church in ManilaThe Simbang Gabi
Though Christmas is joyfully honored around the world, each country has their own unique tradition. Here in the Catholic-centered Philippines, locals from different districts often visit their churches for the Simbang Gabi, a ritual novena performed which starts from December 16 and ends on December 24. Simbang Gabi, which translates to Evening Mass is usually performed as early as 4 or 5 in the morning. The last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo, which literally translates to "Rooster's Mass". (info taken from Wikipedia) and as the elderly says, if one completes the church services, they can make a wish and it will definitely come true!
Kakanin
Aside from the much-awaited meals in every home, the kakanin or rice dessert is one of the important lists on the menu. The bibingka composes of a certain flour, sugar, and coconut milk. When baked in the fire it becomes yellow in color, and then topped with butter, cheese, salted egg, sugar and grated fresh coconut and a banana leaf that serves as a plate.
bibingkaThe puto is a white rice cake that is topped with cheese. Sometimes it comes with various colors. The puto bumbong is traditionally made from a special variety of heirloom sticky or glutinous called Pirurutong which has a distinctly purple color, soaked in salted water and dried overnight and then poured into bumbong or bamboo tubes and then steamed until done or steam rises out of the bamboo tubes. It is served topped with butter or margarine and shredded coconut mixed with sugar.
popular Filipino delicacies
popular Filipino delicaciesIn the province of Cavite (my Dad's hometown) I always ask my dear relatives to prepare kutsinta, biko and ube. These are the popular desserts here.
Christmas carols
If the West have various groups of people singing Christmas songs to entertain communities, well we have our version, too. Usually composed of young peasants (toddlers, kids and teenagers), they grab old cans, boxes, beer caps and tambourines and sing the Filipino carols in front of houses around the villages. After singing, one of them will shout, "Nangangaroling po!" ("Just caroling!") to indicate that they are done with their performance and eventually, want to have their reward. If you give them a generous amount they will sing a thank you song and if not, you will hear them say, "Ang babarat ninyo!" and that means you are a greedy individual!
The Parol
Most countries attach a wreath on their doors or hang them in their living rooms. We on the other hand, decorate our homes with a parol or simply put, "Christmas star". It symbolizes the north star pointing to where Jesus was born. There are various designs to begin with, most of them which are made of capiz, a hard shell-like material which is quite expensive and can only be found here.
parols made of capiz
Some parols are made of colorful plastic, while others are made of newspaper and other recycled materials. Every year, various barrios of the countryside make parol-making contests. Individuals or groups who make the biggest, most-colorful and unique designs receives a grand prize.
Noche Buena
And who would forget the long-awaited specialty of our moms and lolas (grandmas)? Every 24th of December evening each year, the lovely homemakers cook their special delicacies in celebration of the Noche Buena or often translated as "Good Night". Roasts are very popular on the table namely the lechong manok (chicken), liempo (pork ribs) and crispy pata (pork leg). We might not have the turkey, but the lechong baboy (whole roast pork) is the most-expensive meal. The elite usually have this on their dinner table. Other popular dishes are the pancit, lumpia, kare-kare, morcon, paella and sinigang.
a typical Filipino Noche Buena
So those are just a few of the traditions of the Philippines commemorating the season. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Merry Christmas and a joyful new year ahead!
Christmas carols
If the West have various groups of people singing Christmas songs to entertain communities, well we have our version, too. Usually composed of young peasants (toddlers, kids and teenagers), they grab old cans, boxes, beer caps and tambourines and sing the Filipino carols in front of houses around the villages. After singing, one of them will shout, "Nangangaroling po!" ("Just caroling!") to indicate that they are done with their performance and eventually, want to have their reward. If you give them a generous amount they will sing a thank you song and if not, you will hear them say, "Ang babarat ninyo!" and that means you are a greedy individual!
The Parol
Most countries attach a wreath on their doors or hang them in their living rooms. We on the other hand, decorate our homes with a parol or simply put, "Christmas star". It symbolizes the north star pointing to where Jesus was born. There are various designs to begin with, most of them which are made of capiz, a hard shell-like material which is quite expensive and can only be found here.
parols made of capizSome parols are made of colorful plastic, while others are made of newspaper and other recycled materials. Every year, various barrios of the countryside make parol-making contests. Individuals or groups who make the biggest, most-colorful and unique designs receives a grand prize.
Noche Buena
And who would forget the long-awaited specialty of our moms and lolas (grandmas)? Every 24th of December evening each year, the lovely homemakers cook their special delicacies in celebration of the Noche Buena or often translated as "Good Night". Roasts are very popular on the table namely the lechong manok (chicken), liempo (pork ribs) and crispy pata (pork leg). We might not have the turkey, but the lechong baboy (whole roast pork) is the most-expensive meal. The elite usually have this on their dinner table. Other popular dishes are the pancit, lumpia, kare-kare, morcon, paella and sinigang.
a typical Filipino Noche BuenaAnd as the 24th hour strikes, people rejoice and greet each other as fireworks are lighted up, decorating the skies. The feast continues all night and day.
So those are just a few of the traditions of the Philippines commemorating the season. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Merry Christmas and a joyful new year ahead!
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Great post. It shows how merrier Christmas in the Philippines is! :)
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