A Filipino Tradition Practiced in Deference to the Virgin Mary
Filipino Catholics “officially” open their Christmas season at Advent. One of its highlights is the devouts’ observance of a nine-day reverential Masses. Referred to as Simbang Gabi, the Masses start on December 16 and culminates on December 24.
The Philippines is known for its longest Christmas season. It starts on September 1 and culminates in Epiphany. Well, that is the consensus of the general public.
Filipino Catholics, however, open the season at Advent. One of their most important practices is their observance of Novena Masses. They call it Simbang Gabi or Misa de Aguinaldo. It’s a reverential nine-dawn Masses that starts on December 16. This tradition is observed in deference to the Blessed Virgin Mary anticipating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Advent as Basis of the Tradition
The Catholic Church considers Christmas the second major feast of the Christian liturgical year after Easter. This reverence is founded on the essence of the Season of Advent. For Catholics, Advent is the time when believers spiritually prepare and purify themselves before receiving the Child Jesus. And, one of the activities to prepare themselves is by participating in Simbang Gabi.
What is Simbang Gabi?
Simbang Gabi literally means Night Mass. Its history dates back to 1669 during the early days of Christianity in the Philippines. The Christmas season here is also the harvest season. And, it was customary for Filipinos to hold thanksgiving novenas for the produce from the land. They go to church in the evening to attend the Mass.
But the priests noticed that the parishioners were already tired to participate in the Masses after a hard day’s work. And so, the Spanish friars decided to hold the Masses very early in the morning, instead. This is so to allow the farmers to participate in it before proceeding to their fields. Since then, the night Masses became the dawn Masses that we know today. Most parishes start the dawn Mass at 4 o’clock in the morning.
The Parol’s Role in Simbang Gabi
The Simbang Gabi is a distinct Filipino culture and recognized as a symbol of sharing. For them, Christmas is never complete without it.
And, may I mention an important feature that adds weight to the Simbang Gabi. It’s parol! Parol literally means a lantern. The star-shaped parol is not just a product of Filipino ingenuity. Rather, it’s a symbol that has something to do with spirituality.
Just as the Magi were guided by a star, Filipinos look up to a parol as their guide. When street lights were not yet available, parishioners used torches or lanterns to light their way to the Simbang Gabi.
And even up to this day when electricity is available, Filipinos still use the parol. They hang this unique decor outside their front door. Again, its purpose is to light the church-goers’ way to church.
Moreover, the parol is a sign of hope. For as long as they see light, Filipinos look forward to seeing better days. They are resilient. They are like the biblical Magi that relied only on the star to guide them.
The following video shows how Filipinos get back up again after a disaster. See the use of parol!
