Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines

When did the Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines start?

The first recorded date of Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines being celebrated on September 8 was in the year 1521.

About Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines Holiday

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary, also known as Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a holiday celebrated throughout the Philippines each year. This year, 2023, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary falls on the 8th of September.

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and honours her role in the Catholic faith. On this special day, the faithful of the Catholic Church come together to pray and give thanks, praising Mary's virtues and devotion to her son Jesus.

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is an important celebration for Filipinos. Devout Catholic Filipinos mark the day with prayers, special masses, candlelight processions, and the singing of Marian hymns. Many Filipino families also gather for a special feast and time of remembrance, giving thanks for Mary's life and her son's sacrifice. This Feast of the Nativity of Mary celebrates Mary's unique place in the Catholic faith and is an important religious and cultural event in the country.

Feast of the Nativity of Mary in the Philippines

History and Origin

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary, also known as the Birth of the Blessed Virgin, has a long and colorful history in the Philippines. Its origins can be traced to Spanish colonial times when the feast was celebrated on September 8th each year in honor of Mary’s birth. The Spanish government expected the Filipino people to observe this holy day and many Roman Catholic churches in the country adopted it. From then onwards, the feast became known as the Tagalog Easter, an important festival that marks the start of the Holy Month.

Over time, the Philippines has made significant progress in preserving its native culture and religion. This is reflected in the way the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is observed today. It is more than just a day that marks Mary’s birth; it has come to signify a larger cultural concept that reflects the country’s deep and abiding faith in its religion and an appreciation of the Virgin Mary’s role in Christian spirituality.

During the feast day, communities come together to commemorate Mary’s birth by greeting each other with ‘Happy Mary Day’ and singing traditional hymns praising the Virgin Mary. Children also play games such as pick-up sticks and marbles to mark Mary’s nativity. Over the centuries, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary has become one of the most important annual holidays in the Philippines.

Significance and Meaning

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is an important part of Filipino culture and has great religious and spiritual significance. The observance of this day is indicative of the Philippine people’s devotion to the Virgin Mary and their respect for her role in the Christian faith. The feast day is also an important reminder of the importance of family, unity, and community, and it serves as a sacred reminder that all are blessed by the presence of the Holy Family in our lives.

On this special day, people gather to pray and give thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary for all her blessings. Those observing the holiday often take part in processions and pilgrimages, visiting churches and holy sites dedicated to Mary. The day is also characterized by special foods such as steamed buns filled with hope, nuts, and fruit which remind people of the Virgin Mary’s divine love.

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary also serves as a way to remember and recognize the contributions of Filipino women in society. It is a reminder that women have made great strides in building a better nation. Filipino women today are accomplished professionals in many areas, and the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary each year serves as a reminder that Filipino women are strong, independent, and have the potential to achieve great things.

Traditions and Celebrations

The celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is an occasion of great joy and pieties. On this day, special services are conducted in churches throughout the country. The faithful also gather in the streets for processions, offering a host of prayers and singing hymns in name of the Virgin Mary.

The day is also marked by festive gatherings in homes and other places of worship. Participants bring offerings of fruits and flowers which are employed for making altars. People also decorate their homes and churches with colorful garlands, filling the air with joyous cheers. In areas where the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is celebrated, there is also a parade composed of brightly-clad people from different communities. They march with colorful flags and banners, joyously expressing their love for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In recent years, some Filipinos have adopted the idea of creating a ‘Mary’s Table’ for this holy day. This is essentially a representation of Mary’s table on the day of Jesus’ birth. People put a child-sized statue of the Virgin Mary in the middle of the table and surround it with different flowers and treats. This is done as an expression of love and devotion, and also as a way of showing gratitude to Mary.

Geographical Spread

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is celebrated throughout the Philippines. In certain areas, the celebrations may differ from one region to another. For instance, in some parts of the country, the celebrations may be more lively and feature street performances. People can also take part in special activities such as cockfighting and horse racing in some parts of the country.

In many rural areas, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is celebrated by holding traditional activities such as folk-dancing, singing traditional songs and carving wooden artifacts. One of the most popular activities is the pabitin (a traditional game in which fruits and candies are attached to sticks), which is traditionally held at the end of the day to signify the coming of a new life.

In urban areas, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary has taken on a different flavor. Here, the celebrations feature elaborate parades with marching bands, floats, and colorful costumes. There are also modern interpretations of Filipino culture, such as live performances of traditional songs and dances, and cultural celebration activities such as parlor games and contests.

Modern Day Observations

Today, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is still celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm in the Philippines. It is a day of gathering and feasting, with family, friends, and communities coming together to honour and celebrate the Virgin Mary. However, modern-day observances of the feast day have changed over the years. Modern Filipino families celebrate the feast day by gathering for mass and offering prayers to Mary. After mass, they usually visit nearby churches to pray for the Blessed Virgin.

In many parts of the country, people light candles and create floats devoted to the Virgin Mother. Others take part in processions where they distribute flowers and fruits to signify Mary’s birth. Modern-day observances have also seen an increase in the use of social media, with Filipinos sharing photos, videos, and other content online to commemorate this special day.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is believed to have been celebrated since the 16th century in the Philippines.

• Throughout the Philippines, people mark the day by making offerings of fruits and other items such as coins, candles, and flowers.

• Every year, many Filipino churches create elaborate decorations and replicas of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Family.

• The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is also celebrated with works of charity, such as donating clothes or providing meals to the less privileged.

• As part of the festivities, families often exchange gifts, perform skits, and play games.

• In some parts of the country, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is celebrated with dance performances and vibrant displays of fireworks.

• The tradition of offering prayers for the Virgin Mary as part of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary dates back to the Spanish colonial era.

• The figure of Mary is often used in traditional Filipino art, such as sculptures, paintings, and photographs.

• In some areas, people create altars with offerings of coins, candles, and flowers to honor the Virgin Mary.

• Many Filipino families today still gather together on the feast day for feasts, processions, and prayers.

Holiday Wishes

• Happy Virgin Mary Day!

• May you be blessed with the love and grace of our Blessed Virgin Mary.

• May your day be filled with happiness and joy.

• May our Blessed Mother bring blessings and protection to you and your loved ones.

• Let us remember the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary with love and devotion.

• Let us rejoice in celebrating the Nativity of Mary.

Holiday Messages

• Wishing you the blessings of the Nativity of Mary.

• Let us thank Our Lady for her protection and guidance as we celebrate her birth.

• May the spirit of the Virgin Mary be with you on this special day.

• On the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, may you receive abundant grace and peace.

• May you be filled with warmth and love on this day of celebration.

Holiday Quotes

• “The Lord is with thee; Blesseth and keepeth thee.” –Book of Common Prayer

• “The Blessed Virgin Mary is an example of love and devotion for us all.” – Pope John Paul II

• “May the soul of the Mother of God enfold us all.” – Anonymous

• “To conceive a child of God will bring glory and blessing.” – St. Augustine

• “Blessed is she who believed in the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise.” – The Gospel of Luke

Other Popular Holiday Info

The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is usually observed in the Philippines during the month of September, but the exact date may vary depending on the local custom. Consequently, it is important to check with local churches to find out any local modifications in timing or celebrations.

In some areas, the feast day involves a grand procession where the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is paraded through the streets. This is usually accompanied by music, singing, and dancing, as well as prayers and offerings to Mary.

The feast day is also celebrated with the popular tradition of “tinikling”, which is a traditional folk dance performed by two people, usually in pairs. This dance depicts an ancient-style game of “running around the poles” and is said to be very special to the Virgin Mary.

It is also common for Filipino families on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary to create homemade paper lanterns known as “parols”. These are traditionally made with bamboo, colorful paper, and strings of lights, and display stars and other symbols of the Virgin Mary. They are hung up on people’s homes and churches to remind them of the Virgin Mary’s divine presence and light.

The celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is a unique part of Filipino culture that reinforces the importance of family, faith, and traditions. It is a day of prayer and celebration that brings the Filipino people closer to their faith, and serves as a reminder that the Virgin Mary is always present in our lives.

Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines Also Called
Our Lady of Nativity or Nuestra Señora de la Natividad.
Countries where "Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines" is celebrated:

FUN FACT:
In year 1521, Feast of the Nativity of Mary in Philippines is celebrated on September 8 for the first time.

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