The Filipino Christmas: A Reflection of One’s Tradition

Christmas is more than just a celebration; for most Filipino-Christians it is a way of welcoming the coming of their savior Jesus Christ. Being in a country were catholic is dominant, church plays a big role when it comes to Christmas, for the nine dawns before Christmas they have something called Simbang Gabi where they attend mass for the nine mornings leading up to Christmas.

I think it is believed that if you attend all the masses, you can make a wish. Since it was really early in the morning and a bit chilly Filipinos normally look for something warm to eat and there are vendors selling food such as Puto Bumbong and Bibingka. Simbang Gabi is forever a part of the Filipino Christmas which is distinct from other countries who also celebrates Christmas.

Another tradition is the reunion and for young Filipinos, it is the time when most grins are seen, parents are less likely to scold them, school works do not give too much pressure because there’s none, candies and chocolates fill their stomachs, and ninangs and ninongs fnally appear with their heart-warming gifts or aguinaldos, best dresses are worn and new shoes pamper their feet. For the old ones, this is the time when “thank you” becomes a common expression, sweat shirts and long sleeves which were kept in the deepest part of the closet are finally worn, and friends, both old and new, finally meet for the longest time.

Living in a place who has different traditions during Christmas has showed me something very different even though we don’t celebrate it, I learned to be thankful for the family that I have around me during Christmas and I learned that receiving is not everything, it is always better to give.

Related Questions

on The Filipino Christmas: A Reflection of One’s Tradition

What is the tradition of Filipino Christmas?

The traditional Filipino Christmas is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions. These include the Simbang Gabi, a nine-day novena of Masses leading up to Christmas Day, and the traditional parol, a star-shaped lantern made of bamboo and paper. Other traditions include caroling, gift-giving, and the traditional Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve.

Why Christmas is important in Philippines?

Christmas is an important holiday in the Philippines, as it is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It is also a time for giving and receiving gifts, as well as for enjoying traditional Filipino foods and activities. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for many Filipinos, and it is a time to remember the importance of family and faith.

What is the tradition of Simbang Gabi?

Simbang Gabi is a traditional Filipino Catholic celebration of Mass that takes place over nine days leading up to Christmas. It is believed that those who attend all nine days of Mass will receive a special blessing from the Virgin Mary. The celebration usually begins in the early morning hours and includes traditional Filipino food and music.

Why do we celebrate Christmas reflection?

We celebrate Christmas as a time of reflection to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and to celebrate the joy and hope that his life brought to the world. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the coming year with hope and optimism.

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The Filipino Christmas: A Reflection of One’s Tradition. (2016, Aug 13). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/the-filipino-christmas-a-reflection-of-ones-tradition/

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