By Gilli Aquino

Whether it be the dazzling parols hung across streets, or the iconic delicacies of bibingka and puto bumbong, a Filipino Christmas is truly one of a kind — carrying traditions and emblems recognizable to people all around the world. Yet while the tunes of Jose Mari Chan fill others with a jovial holiday spirit, the heart of a Filipino Christmas lies in its time for spiritual reflection and thankfulness.

The Simbang Gabi — also known as the Miso de Gallo or Roosters Mass — is a nine-day-long series of dawn masses that culminates on the morning of Christmas Eve. While the origins of such a beloved tradition trace back to the era of the Spaniards, it is now an event for Filipinos to realign and reconnect with their family, faith, and God. 

Nights of Nativity 

The history of Simbang Gabi in the Philippines can be traced back to the 16th century, specifically through the influence of the Spanish friars. These dawn masses were conducted in order to accommodate the lifestyles of farmers and fishermen who often worked at early hours of the morning, with most masses beginning as early as 4:00 am. This served as a practical compromise for these workers who could not attend masses in the late evening, as this would give way to extra fatigue and exhaustion that is detrimental to their health and livelihood. 

This morning’s practice eventually transformed into a beloved Philippine tradition that marks the zenith of the country’s Christmas celebration. Nowadays, Simbang Gabi is celebrated in either mornings or evenings, with the tradition beginning on the evening of December 15 or the morning of December 16. Each one of these masses gives way to a moment for spiritual reflection — allowing every Filipino to celebrate and revel in the blessings received throughout the year. All of these celebrations eventually culminate on December 24, a special service that directly celebrates the birth of Jesus. 

A myriad of churches and parishes honor the celebration of Simbang Gabi, with most featuring a kaleidoscope of brightly colored lights and parols hung across the walls of every chapel in sight. The purpose of this tradition has evolved significantly beyond its historical origins — now serving as an avenue for Filipinos to deepen their faith and sense of community. After each service, most people flock to the alluring smells of Bibingka and other sweet delicacies sold at street vendors placed outside chapels.

Whether you are accompanied by your family, friends, or are simply attending each mass on your own time, the love and light felt in the annual Simbang Gabi celebration continues to reunite us during the Christmas season — reminding us of each joy, sadness, and memorable moment we have been so blessed to experience throughout the year. 

The Light of Dawn

Aside from the time for peaceful solemnity granted by Simbang Gabi — the celebration also allows people to catch up with friends and family that they have not seen in a while. Thus giving way to jovial reunions under the glittering lights of parols. This sentiment holds true for Gaby Evangelista, a member of the Ateneo Liturgical Ministry (ALM) ASHS, who often celebrates Simbang Gabi with his family and the junior high friends who serve mass alongside him. 

“These are the people I serve with, and who have similar interests in service and the Church,” Evangelista details on his friendships. “All the time when we meet, we talk over and over again about what we simply think of. I like to see it as a great reunion. Not only are we catching up, but our parents are, which makes the experience even more fun and meaningful.” From his perspective, the celebration of Simbang Gabi is ultimately a reunion — allowing him and his friends to recall the old memories that have brought them together. 

There is nothing that aligns more with the holiday season than nostalgic conversations amongst loved ones — evoking a sense of warmth after each mass. More than the presents that we receive on Christmas day, there is a unique type of magic felt as we revel in the relationships that have been alongside us throughout the whole year. Ultimately, all of these moments underscore the significance of Simbang Gabi — a celebration of all the love that continually overflows into our lives. 

For Evangelista, this significance is intertwined with the preparation for Christmas Day or, more importantly, the birth of Jesus Christ. “For Christ’s birth, we prepare our hearts, accepting him into our hearts. But because Jesus loves us so much, it should also overflow and affect others so greatly,” he states, reflecting on the importance of the tradition. “Celebrating this tradition reminds us of the love we also share with others. To help those in need, to care for those who don’t have anyone to cling to, to love those who need love, to simply be with family and friends, and many more.”

As we reflect on the abundance of love and joy we possess in our lives, Simbang Gabi also gives us the opportunity to pray for those people who may not be as blessed as us — serving as a reminder for us to embody the same compassion and generosity that we have so fortunately been blessed to receive. Many churches actively support local charities through integrated fundraising, food drives, and gift givings during mass. The proceeds collected are given back to various initiatives and charities chosen by the parish. 

Solemn Spirits

Entering the hallowed halls of a chapel, you are greeted by the harmonious voices of a choir. The painted art on the walls leaves you awe-struck as the echo of a singing crowd infiltrates your ears. There is something almost magical about entering a chapel during the season of Christmas — a seasonal air of belonging is felt in every corner of a chapel that seems larger than life. 

At its core, Simbang Gabi is a completely spiritual experience, one that pushes you closer to your faith during a holiday that centers on such belief. The spiritual significance of Simbang Gabi is rooted in a devotion towards the Virgin Mary, with the nine devotional masses signifying the nine days as she awaits the birth of her son. Each mass attended represents us accompanying her through this journey, further strengthening our devotion.

Beyond this origin, many Filipinos carry the superstitious belief that attending all nine masses will result in the fruition of any special wish or petition prayed for. This attendance symbolizes the spiritual commitment and devotion of most Filipinos — even inspiring other countries to incorporate the same practice. However, aside from the physical attendance, the church encourages participants to embark alongside them on a spiritual journey rooted in quiet reflection.

Each of the nine masses slowly builds up the story of Jesus’s birth, with each homily and reading further adding on to the narrative and raising anticipation for Christmas Day. United in prayer, Filipinos slowly prepare themselves for the 25th with each service that passes — gaining new insights and reflections from each day. Simbang Gabi continues to be not only an avenue for community bonding but a pillar of faith that renews our spiritual foundations just in time for the new year. 

At its core, a traditional Filipino Christmas is not merely defined by pretty lights or catchy tunes — however, it is rooted in the things that we cannot directly see or hear. Beyond all the materialistic attributes that we have come to associate with Christmas, Simbang Gabi reminds us to take this time to express our gratitude for all that we have. This tradition truly embodies what it means to celebrate the holidays in our country — encapsulating the unique devotion and solemn gratitude of every Filipino.