Why Do Filipinos Celebrate Simbang Gabi?

Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Christmas tradition that dates back to 1668, when religious missionaries from Mexico introduced it to the country. It is a series of predawn masses held nine days before Christmas. And it runs from December 15 to December 23 in the evening, or from December 16 to December 24 at dawn.

Simbang Gabi is also known as Misa de Gallo, or “Mass of the Rooster” in Spanish. While there are several versions of how this tradition began. One of its origins was the idea of holding these predawn masses so that farmers could hear the Gospel before going to work in the fields.

And it is widely held that if a devotee completes all nine days of the Simbang Gabi, their request made as part of the novena may be granted.

Traditionally, simbang gabi is celebrated to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, Pope Sixtus V added the following intentions for the celebration, which are now in:

• Glorification and exaltation of the Holy Mother Church
• Propagation of the Holy Catholic Faith
• Preservation of the newly baptized natives in the True Faith.

Today, simbang gabi is still celebrated for these reasons, as well as the perseverance of Filipinos in their faith and the preservation of the holy religion in this part of the world.

How Did It Used to Be Celebrated?

As we’ve mentioned, Simbang Gabi was held before dawn so that farmers and fishermens were able to participate in them before they started their work. In fact, to light their way to simbang gabi, people would often lit up flickering candles in star shaped parols or Christmas lanterns.

The pre-dawn mass was known to begin by the ringing of the Church bells. While in other rural areas, a brass band played some Christmas music.

In other records, parish priests were said to knock on doors in order to awaken and gather the faithful for the Misa de Gallo.

What Does It Look Like Today?

Whether one lives in the city or the region, the habit of going to church early in the morning continues today. It is also being commemorated in new ways, such as churches decorating their places of worship with colorful lights and gorgeous “parol” or Christmas lanterns to greet the faithful.

The well-known nativity scene, or “Belen,” is also on display in preparation for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.

The “Belen” depicts baby Jesus in a manger beside Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and the Three Wise Men who brought presents to the infant Jesus, as well as the Bethlehem Star, which guided them on their voyage.

Not only that, but there’s more.

As time passes, tradition evolves. The Filipino community made a few minor timetable adjustments. Instead of being performed at 4 a.m., Misa de Gallo is now held at 8 or 9 p.m. to accommodate the demands of community members who have diverse work hours.

What Are the Snacks After Simbang Gabi?

Traditional delights await churchgoers following each liturgy. During the Spanish era, however, parishioners had little to donate except rice sacks, fruits, vegetables, and fresh eggs.

For breakfast, Filipinos currently purchase and consume holiday specialties served in churchyards. Here’s what they are:

• Bibingka

• Puto Bumbong

• Suman

• Hot Pandesal

These are rice-based foods, as you may have seen. Which were typically offered to farmers to help them fill their tummies. The pastries are high in carbohydrates, which the colonial Filipinos required for their labor in the rice farms and sugar mills.

why do we celebrate this tradition?

Simbang Gabi isn’t just a custom; it’s a way of life. It is a historical event that taught people the significance of the Mass and Christmas. The family and community would come together to evangelize at a time when the rich and the poor, men and women, children and the elderly would wait for the Lord’s arrival and rejoice in the Messiah’s promise.

Finally, Simbang Gabi is a recognized ritual among Catholic Filipino communities throughout the world. So, regardless of how or when this celebration occurs. It demonstrates the Filipinos’ deep commitment to Catholicism.

Stay safe while keeping the faith burning!

While religion and devotion are important, safety must remain our number one priority. And to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our fellow citizens safe. We must follow and observe the guidelines for social distancing.

If you plan on going to church, you should wear face masks and face shields and keep at least one meter away from other people.

However, we urge everyone, particularly seniors and people with underlying medical conditions, to simply participate in the mass virtually in order to avoid contracting COVID-19.

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