Christmas in the Philippines
No other nationality in the entire world celebrates Christmas like Filipinos. The Philippines is known to be the country with the longest Christmas celebration. Being a one of the predominantly Christian countries in Southeast Asia, it observes Christmas as the biggest holiday every year.
Once September enters the year, it signals the start of Christmas in the Philippines. From the decoration to caroling activities, the holiday season has become the most celebrated one.
Here are three things you can expect during Christmas time:
Photo from Pinoy Pinas
Christmas decorations. A lantern is an iconic Christmas ornament which is normally found hanging outside one’s home. It is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem during the Nativity of Christ. Another is the belen which shows the birth of Christ in the manger.
Photo from Philstar website
Beliefs. Christmas is believed to be one magical season and most people wish for their heart’s greatest desire. As part of the season, Filipinos attend misa de gallos or Simbang Gabi (night masses). It is a common practice for Catholics in the Philippines to attend 9 days of mass at dawn from the 16th of December until the 24th. And when you complete the 9-day series of masses, you can make a wish and it will come true.
Photo from Lynwood website
The activities. There are a million and one activities to do during this season of joy. The most popular activity is the Christmas party. It is a scheduled activity that serves as a yearly reunion for friends, colleagues and families. One of the best ways to enjoy this occasion is by cheerfully exchanging gifts. There is also the Christmas carols and Kris Kringles. The non-stop playing of nostalgic Christmas jingles and children singing outside your door with their little maracas and tambourine are something you can expect (even as early as September). Christmas aguinaldo or bonus is also popular especially among children. This is when they hunt down for their Godparents who are obliged to give them some presents or money.
Traditional Christmas Delicacies. In the Philippines, there are certain food which adds excitement to every Filipinos’ Holiday table. When the Holiday season marked its beginning, you’ll be greeted by legion of vendors lined in every street, selling delicious Puto Bumbong (purple colored steamed glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes) and Bibingka (rice cakes cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves). These delicacies are usually being sold only during the Holiday season in the Philippines and are a staple in every Filipinos’ Christmas dining table.
Image grabbed from this website geekypinas
So the next time you see people doing any of the above, you know it is already Christmas in the Philippines!
Written By: Beth Javines, Contributor
