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How and when did ‘Simbang Gabi’ begin?

One of the most popular ways on how Filipinos celebrate the annual Christmas tradition is by gathering their family and/or friends to attend the annual ‘Misa de Gallo’ or ‘Simbang Gabi’ – where they attend nine masses during the wee hours of the morning from December 16 to usher in the birthdate of Jesus Christ on the 25th.

History dates back the earliest celebration of ‘Simbang Gabi’ during 1660 where missionary friars held masses at 4:00 am as the roosters crowed before the Filipino farmers head to the fields to begin their work – which is where the word ‘gallo’ comes from as it is the Spanish word for ‘Rooster’.

The study done by Siena Church furthers that some of these farmers even travelled for up to 10 kilometers away just to have the entire family attend the mass at 4:00 am, and by 5:00 am – the mass is over and the men can begin their work at the fields, thus beginning a religious practice handed down for generations to come.

Unbeknownst to many, the ‘Simbang Gabi’ tradition of Filipinos was actually a ‘special permission’ granted by the Vatican to the Philippine Church according to the Article 37 of the Catholic Church’s Sacred Liturgy as it ‘respects and fosters the qualities and talents of various races and nations.’ This is why the church did not impose the rigid timings of the mass usually done in the morning to early evening for the betterment of the community.

“The Holy See is cognizant of the particulars of the Simbang Gabi celebration. After the mass, a local band plays around town playing Christmas songs and invites people to worship, with several delicacies displayed in the churchyard for everyone’s pleasure. On the sidewalk, lighted lanterns called “Parols” (Filipino version of the star of David) add to the joyous atmosphere,” furthers the study.

Staff Report

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