Traditional Filipino Christmas

All over the world, Christians celebrate Christmas in remembrance of the birth of Christ Jesus. No other country perhaps celebrates the holiday season longer than the Philippines, with Filipinos starting to sing Christmas carols once the “ber” months hit the calendar. During this time, people already start bringing out the Christmas tree from storage and begin decorating it with ribbons, glittery balls and tinsel.

Although Filipinos have assimilated a number of Christmas customs and practices introduced by other countries – such as the hanging of mistletoe, decorating the front door with a colorful wreath, hanging Christmas stockings hoping that Santa Claus would fill it with toys and gifts – traditions that are considered “uniquely Pinoy” are still observed by Filipinos whichever part of the world they may be.

Among them is the hanging of star-shaped lanterns, locally known as parols, along the streets and on windows of homes. Parols also adorn commercial establishments, their colorful designs providing a festive atmosphere. More importantly however, these lanterns evoke goodwill and hope as they are reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men or three kings searching for the Messiah.

Our embassy here in Washington, D.C. embarked on a project to bring the beauty, the symbolism and the great artistic potential of the parol in the consciousness of Americans (see “This Week on PeopleAsia” at the Allure section of the PhilSTAR today). Arranged by our Philippine Embassy Economic Minister JV Gonzaga with the help of Mayor Edwin Santiago of San Fernando, Pampanga and the City Tourism Office and facilitated by our friends from FedEx Express, 24 capiz parols were donated and shipped from Pampanga. They are now proudly displayed at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex building.

One of the objectives of the parol project is to mainstream this iconic symbol of Filipino Christmas in the US and to create a demand and hopefully open up a new market for this decorative and artistic item. I’m happy to note that the parols displayed on stage during the year-end briefing I conducted for business and Filipino-American communities created a lot of interest.

Many of our Christmas holiday traditions are kept alive and continue to be observed by Filipinos residing in the United States. Among these traditions are the simbang gabi or misa de gallo, a series of masses held for nine days that show the faith and devotion of Filipinos. It is believed that the hopes and wishes of those who complete the mass for nine days will be granted, so many Filipinos wake up even before the crack of dawn to attend the simbang gabi.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York led by Consul General Tess de Vega spearheaded the annual Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado that commenced on December 5 and ended on December 13. A record number of 70 Filipino-American organizations and business establishments participated as sponsors for this uniquely Filipino yuletide experience, with each night seeing a surge in attendance with a capacity and SRO crowd.

The final night of the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado saw the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York, the Philippine Center Management Board, the Philippine Independence Day Council, the Junior Chamber of Commerce Inc. Philippines-New York (JCI Philippines-New York), and Philippine Airlines (PAL) taking part in the mass celebrated by Fr. Patrick Longalong, a Fil-American priest based in the Diocese of Brooklyn and Fr. Rogie Castellano, a Filipino priest who recently arrived in the US.

Preceding the mass was a re-enactment of the “panunuluyan” – another Christmas tradition usually observed in many provinces in the Philippines. The “panunuluyan” depicts the journey of Joseph and a pregnant Mary to Nazareth and their search for shelter. Re-enacting the panunuluyan where members of JCI Philippines New York, with music provided by the Filipino Pastoral Ministry of the Our Lady of Pompeii Church.

The annual simbang gabi has become one of the most anticipated events in the Filipino-American community in the Northeast, and has been ongoing for almost three decades. As one of the regular simbang gabi attendees remarked, the observance of this Filipino Christmas tradition fills a need in the community to come together in fellowship and thanksgiving in this very special season.

In many homes, schools, offices, commercial establishments and of course, in churches, the Belen takes center stage. The Belen (Spanish for Bethlehem) is similar to the Nativity scene where a tableau depicts Mary and Joseph and the infant Jesus in a manger, surrounded by angels, stable animals, shepherds and their flock, and the three wise men.

Another Filipino tradition that is very much alive in the US is the noche buena celebrated on Christmas Eve, with the family (as well as relatives and close friends) gathered together to partake of a sumptuous feast with Filipino staples like lechon, pancit, kakanin, and many others spread on the table. This event highlights the close ties among family members and is also an opportunity to enjoy, and be thankful, for the blessings that one has received throughout the year.

Although Christmas may not be that festive for Filipinos who were affected by the wildfires in California, the spirit of Christmas still lives on in their hearts because of their resilience that stems from a deep faith in God. It is during times of adversity that the spirit of bayanihan is at its strongest, which is why Filipinos have a good image especially here in the United States.

My very best holiday wishes to all Filipinos around the world!