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Christmas Carnivals » History of Christmas » History of Christmas in the Philippines

History of Christmas in the Philippines



The History of Christmas in the Philippines explores the exotic fiesta of the Christmas celebration in Philippines down the ages. The Christmas Philippines History is marked by legends, customs, symbols, and merry-making. Christianity was introduced in Philippines during the 1500s by the Spanish colonizers.

The Christmas season in this tropical island is ushered in from Dec.16, with a mass known as Misa de Gallo. It is celebrated for nine days until Christmas Eve (Dec.24). It begins at 4a.m in the morning. Also called Simbang Gabi these masses signify the churchgoer's devotion to his faith and sacrifice for God.

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called Misa de Aguinaldo or Gift Mass, referring to the shepherd's gifts to Christ. The Midnight Mass usually starts by 10:00 PM.. Sometime before this Mass a Pannulyan is performed. A Pannulyan is a street drama characterizing Joseph and Virgin Mary in search of shelter for birth of Jesus.

Caroling is a cherished tradition for the Filipinos. Often called Cumbancheros, carolers perform for charity or for simple fun.

One of the striking symbols of Christmas in Philippines is the Parol. Parols are handmade star shaped lanterns. They symbolize the star of Bethlehem that led the three wise men to baby Jesus. Other traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the Belen or a Crèche representing the Christ's Nativity scene on Dec 16th before the first Mass. It depicts the infant Jesus Christ in the manger, surrounded by his parents, shepherds and their flock. Christmas officially ends on January 6th with the Feast of the Three Kings (Tres Reyes or Tatlong Hari), also known as the Feast of the Epiphany.
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