When did the Christmas Day in Philippines start?
About Christmas Day in Philippines Holiday
As the holiday season approaches, many travelers begin to plan their Christmas vacations to popular destinations around the world. For those seeking a unique and vibrant holiday experience, look no further than the Philippines, a country rich in cultural traditions, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Christmas Day in the Philippines is a celebration unlike any other, blending both Western and Filipino customs into a festive and joyous occasion. The country's predominantly Catholic population starts the festivities as early as September, decorating their homes and streets with colorful lanterns, towering Christmas trees, and nativity scenes. But the true excitement begins on December 16th, known as the start of the "Simbang Gabi," a nine-day series of traditional dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Day itself, the entire country comes alive with a buzz of energy, as families and friends gather to attend mass, exchange gifts, and enjoy a feast of traditional dishes such as roast pork, lechon (suckling pig), and bibingka (rice cake). The streets are filled with the sound of Christmas carols, laughter, and cheers as locals and visitors alike participate in parades, concerts, and other festivities. From the bustling city streets of Manila to the serene beaches of Palawan, the spirit of Christmas can be felt all throughout the Philippines. So why not escape to this tropical paradise and experience the beauty and magic of Christmas Day in the Philippines?
Christmas Day in the Philippines: A Cultural Journey Through Tradition and Celebration
Key Takeaways:
- Christmas Day in the Philippines is a cherished national holiday that brings together family, faith, and tradition.
- It has a rich history and is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and religion.
- Christmas symbols and decorations, food and costumes, and music and songs all play a significant role in the celebrations.
- The holiday is celebrated nationwide with various regional variations, showcasing the diversity of the country.
- Modern-day celebrations have evolved but still maintain the traditional essence of the holiday.
History and Origin: A Celebration of Faith and Culture
Christmas Day is one of the most awaited holidays in the Philippines. This festive occasion marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by more than 80% of the population, making it the largest Christmas celebration in Asia. The Philippines has a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and this is evident in their Christmas traditions.
The history of Christmas in the country dates back to the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century when the Philippines was introduced to Christianity. Before that, the country celebrated a pagan festival called “Sakuna,” which was similar to Halloween. However, when Christianity spread, the celebration was transformed into a religious one. As a predominantly Catholic country, Christmas has a strong connection to faith, and the majority of customs and traditions revolve around it.
Over the years, Christmas Day in the Philippines has evolved, incorporating both old and new elements from various cultures. Today, it is a fusion of Spanish, American, and indigenous traditions, making it a unique and colorful celebration.
Significance and Meaning: A Reflection of Filipino Values
Christmas Day holds immense cultural importance for Filipinos. It is a time for family reunions, where relatives from different parts of the country come together to celebrate and bond. The spirit of “Bayanihan,” a Filipino custom of communal unity and cooperation, is seen in full force during this time. People also show their generosity and compassion by participating in charitable work and sharing blessings with those in need, in line with the values of “Pagpapakumbaba” (humility) and “Pagtutulungan” (cooperation).
The holiday also holds spiritual significance as the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Many Filipinos attend church services, including the traditional “Simbang Gabi,” a series of nine dawn masses that commemorate the preparation for the coming of Christ. The religious aspect of Christmas is deeply ingrained in the country’s culture, and it is common to see nativity scenes and ornate decorations in homes, malls, and public places.
Symbols and Decorations: The Festive Spirit Comes to Life
Christmas in the Philippines is a visual feast, with houses, streets, and entire towns adorned with colorful and elaborate decorations. One of the most iconic symbols of the holiday is the parol, a star-shaped lantern that represents the guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem. Parols come in various sizes and materials, but the traditional ones are made of bamboo frames covered with papel de japón (Japanese paper) and illuminated with candles or lights. In recent years, there has been a surge of creativity, and parols now come in different shapes and designs, adding a touch of innovation to the traditional decorations.
Another common decoration is the Christmas tree, which is usually a mix of local and Western influences. Some homes display Nativity scenes or Belén, showcasing the birth of Jesus Christ. The Belén is often placed under or on top of the Christmas tree, and it varies in size, from simple figurines to life-size installations. Other Christmas decors include wreaths, lights, and other festive ornaments.
Traditions and Celebrations: A Blend of Old and New
Filipinos have many unique traditions and customs that make their Christmas celebrations special. While some may vary from region to region, there are a few that are widely observed across the country.
One of the most beloved traditions is the “Noche Buena,” a special dinner feast on Christmas Eve after attending the “Misa de Gallo,” the midnight mass. Families gather around the table to share a feast of traditional dishes, such as lechon (roast pig), hamon (ham), queso de bola (edam cheese), and different kakanin (rice cakes) like bibingka and puto bumbong. After the meal, gifts are exchanged, and children can stay up all night to play with their new toys.
Another popular tradition is the “Kris Kringle,” a form of secret Santa where friends, family, and colleagues exchange gifts at random. This is a fun and exciting activity leading up to the holiday, with creative themes or rules set for the gift-giving.
In some provinces, there is the “Pagmamano,” where children and young adults show respect to their elders by asking for a blessing and taking the elder’s hand to place it on their forehead. This custom is a display of respect and a way to ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings.
In recent years, modern Christmas traditions, such as caroling, have also become popular. Children and groups visit homes, singing Christmas songs, and collecting money or treats. Some places also have Christmas fairs, with bazaars, food stalls, and amusement rides, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Food and Cuisine: The Taste of Christmas in the Philippines
Christmas is a time for food and feasting, and Filipinos have a variety of signature dishes and delicacies that are central to the celebration. From savory to sweet, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Lechon is a must-have on every Noche Buena table, with its perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat. Other popular dishes include hamon, a type of cured ham served with pineapple glaze, and pancit or bihon (noodles) cooked in different ways. For dessert, the popular fruit salad with condensed milk and cream is a staple, along with “puto bumbong” (steamed glutinous rice with coconut and muscovado sugar) and “hot chocolate” made from tablea or locally-made cocoa tablets.
A recipe that is worth mentioning is the “Bibingka,” a traditional Filipino rice cake that is cooked on a clay pot or “bilao” (round bamboo mat). It is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and brown sugar and is topped with grated coconut, cheese, and salted egg. This Christmas delight is famous in the country, and no holiday is complete without it.
Attire and Costumes: Celebrating with Style
Filipinos take pride in their fashion sense, and Christmas is no exception. During this time, people typically wear new clothes or dress up in their best festive outfits. For some, this might mean fashionable dresses or suits, while others opt for traditional baro’t saya (blouse and skirt) or barong tagalog (traditional embroidered shirt for men) paired with the iconic salakot (bamboo hat).
Children also have their special attire for Christmas, often wearing Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or angel wings. In some provinces, it is customary for children to dress up as the “Simbang Gabi” angels and sing Christmas songs in front of houses or at the church.
Music and Songs: Spreading Joy and Laughter
Christmas in the Philippines is incomplete without music and songs. As early as September, people start playing Christmas carols, and it continues until the holiday season ends in January. Traditional and local Christmas songs, such as “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” (Christmas has arrived) and “Pasko na Naman” (It’s Christmas again), are heard everywhere, along with Western classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.”
Aside from caroling, karaoke is also a popular activity during Christmas as it brings people together for a night of singing and laughter.
Geographical Spread: A Celebration Across the Archipelago
Christmas is a national holiday in the Philippines, celebrated in all 7,100 islands. However, some areas have their unique ways of celebrating, showcasing the country’s diversity.
In Pampanga, a province in Central Luzon, the “Giant Lantern Festival” is held annually, showcasing the largest lanterns in the country, also known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” In the province of Ilocos, the “Belenismo sa Tarlac” is a festival featuring the largest Belén installation in the country. And in the Visayas region, the “Sinulog Festival” is held in Cebu, where a grand parade is held in honor of the Child Jesus.
With the recent pandemic, some changes have been made in the way the holiday is celebrated, such as the cancellation of parades and large gatherings. However, the spirit of Christmas remains strong, and people find ways to celebrate while adhering to safety protocols.
Modern-Day Observations: A Mix of Tradition and Innovation
Christmas Day celebrations in the Philippines have modernized in recent years while still maintaining the essence of tradition. Aside from the modern decorations and activities mentioned earlier, there have been new developments, such as Christmas-themed amusement parks and light shows.
Technology has also played a significant role in modernizing celebrations. Many families and friends living abroad use video calls to celebrate together, and social media platforms are filled with holiday greetings and well-wishes.
Interesting Facts or Trivia: Get to Know More About Christmas in the Philippines
- The Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world, which starts as early as September and ends in January.
- In the province of Pampanga, a 360-degree Belén installation is displayed at the SM City Pampanga mall, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest nativity scene.
- The record for the largest parol has been broken multiple times in Pampanga, with the current record-holding at 328 feet tall.
- The Philippines is the only country where the celebration of “Misa de Gallo,” the midnight mass, is widely observed.
- The city of San Fernando, Pampanga, holds an annual “Ligligan Parul” (Giant Lantern Festival), where beautifully designed lanterns are showcased and paraded through the city streets.
Holiday Wishes:
- Maligayang Pasko! (Merry Christmas!)
- Manigong Bagong Taon! (A prosperous New Year!)
- Paskong punong-puno ng pag-asa at pagmamahal! (Christmas overflowing with hope and love!)
- Pagsibol ng pagmamahal at pagkakaisa! (A blooming of love and unity!)
- Salamat sa pagbibigay ng liwanag sa aming buhay! (Thank you for bringing light into our lives!)
Holiday Messages:
- Wishing you peace, love, and joy this Christmas.
- May your heart be filled with the true spirit of Christmas.
- Sending you warm and heartfelt holiday greetings from the Philippines.
- May this Christmas bring happiness and blessings to you and your family.
- From our family to yours, have a wonderful and memorable Christmas celebration.
Holiday Quotes:
- “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.” – Thomas S. Monson
- “Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.” – Margaret Thatcher
- “For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given.” – Isaiah 9:6
- “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hillis
- “Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things.” – Calvin Coolidge
Other Popular Holiday Info: A Message of Love and Unity in Challenging Times
Amidst the challenges and uncertainties brought by the pandemic, Christmas in the Philippines remains a time of hope, love, and unity. The celebration may look different this year, with virtual gatherings and smaller gatherings, but the message remains the same – to spread joy, peace, and love to those around us.
Despite the changes, the holiday spirit still shines brightly in communities across the country. People continue to decorate their homes, prepare traditional dishes, and share gifts and well-wishes, showing that the Christmas spirit cannot be dampened by any circumstance.
As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember the true meaning and essence of Christmas – to cherish the moments with our loved ones, spread love and kindness, and have faith and hope for better days ahead.
FAQ:
Q: What is the origin of Christmas in the Philippines?
Christmas was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century.
Q: Why is Christmas significant in the Philippines?
Christmas is significant in the Philippines because it is a time for family reunions, showcasing Filipino values such as “Bayanihan” and “Pagpapakumbaba,” and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Q: What are some popular Christmas decorations in the Philippines?
Some popular Christmas decorations in the Philippines are the parol (star-shaped lantern), Christmas trees, and the Belén (Nativity scene).
How to Say "Christmas Day in Philippines" In Different Languages?
- Chinese (Simplified)
- 圣诞节 (zh-CN)
- Dutch
- Kerstdag (nl-NL)
- Filipino
- Araw ng Pasko (fil-PH)
- German
- Weihnachtstag (de-DE)
- Hindi
- क्रिसमस दिन (hi-IN)
- Indonesian
- Hari Natal (id-ID)
- Italian
- Natale (it-IT)
- Japanese
- クリスマス (ja-JP)
- Malay
- Hari Krismas (ms-MY)
- Portuguese
- Dia de Natal (pt-BR)
- Russian
- Рождество (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Navidad (es-ES)
- Thai
- วันคริสต์มาส (th-TH)
- Turkish
- Noel Günü (tr-TR)
- Vietnamese
- Ngày Giáng sinh (vi-VN)
Christmas Day in Philippines Also Called
"Paskong Pinoy: A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Tradition"Countries where "Christmas Day in Philippines" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1521, Christmas Day in Philippines is celebrated on December 25 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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