Christmas in our hearts

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow..”

When I was young, a perfect Christmas for me would be a White Christmas, where in I could play with snowballs, build the frosty snow man, and wait for the sleigh of Santa Claus to deliver the Christmas gifts under our mistletoe. But many Christmas have passed, I’ve never even experienced one of these things. And I just realized that yes, it is possible for some countries like, USA, but here in Philippines, White Christmas would just be a flight of the imagination.

Well, my wildest dream for a White Christmas here in our country have changed, as I became familiarize with the traditions that mostly Filipinos are fun of doing during this Yuletide Season. We are the longest, and absolutely, the merriest Christmas Celebration around the world.

Usually, when the “BER” months enter, you could already see houses that were surrounded by shining and shimmering Christmas lights, with giant star lanterns hung outside the houses.  It is our tradition to have what we called “Parol” during Christmas, because we believed that it symbolizes as the guiding light when our Jesus Christ was born.

We also have what we called “Simbang Gabi”, it happens during the 16^th of December, and ends on the Christmas Eve, December 24. It is a series of masses for 9 dawns. If you complete all the 9 masses, they said that whatever you will wish for, will be granted.  

Also, in “Simbang Gabi”, who would ever forget to eat these two native holiday treats? The Puto bumbong, and Bibingka, it could be found in different stalls for the Church goers every Simbang Gabi.

Puto Bumbong is made up of glutinous rice called Pirurutong, it is topped with butter, fresh coconut shreds, and cane sugar. On the other hand, Bibingka, is a rice cake made from glutinous rice, egg, and water topped with salty eggs, and cheese.

Another habit of Filipinos, which I considered now as a part of Tradition during Christmas, is shopping. Yes, shopping, during this season we might have money or zero balance in our ATM accounts, but we would still find ways to buy gifts to our loved ones. We go on Sales, or the most convenient place to go for to save the day, to visit the land of Divisoria. There, we could find 3 for 100 t-shirts, 10- 20 pesos for toys, 50 pesos for flip flops and 2 for 150 for couple shirts. Like what they’ve said, “It’s the thought that counts.”, and what important is we practice the art of sharing/giving most especially during Christmas.

Another, Christmas won’t be the same without asking  “Ano ang ihahanda natin?” . Because Philippines is known as the “Land of Fiestas”, that’s why during Christmas Eve we have Noche Buena, it is a traditional feast where family usually gathers at 12 midnight to dine together.

In Noche Buena, the most popular dishes to be served are morcon, embutido, relyenong bangus, lumpia, pansit, and the famous “lechon”.  Aside from that, there is always ham on the table, but it is usually eaten during Christmas Day.

However, Noche Buena is not always about foods, and cholesterol. But it is about the Filipino family close ties, and the family tradition.

On the 25^th of December, the exact date of Christmas Day, the toddlers usually visit their God Parents for their Aguinaldos, it is a money or a gift given for their God Children during Christmas. Moreover, this is also the day for a family to have a strong bond, to meet the extended families, to have a reunion, and the likes. But most of all, this is also the day to celebrate the birthday of our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ.

This is how Filipinos celebrate Christmas on a splendid tropical climate; let’s try to invade the celebration of the Americans, who have a broad range of weather, and already experienced my dream of an Oh-so-White Christmas.

Christmas in United States is a mixture of different cultures coming from England and Australia for Christmas Carols, Christmas trees from Germany, Santa Claus from Europe, and parades from Latin America.

Just like in Philippines, Streets and houses are decorated with Christmas trees and colorful Christmas lights. They also put statues of Santa Claus, Snowman, or Reindeers in front of their houses.

In New York, they have small town called “North Pole”, it is designed for Santa Claus and his reindeers. There’s a post office where in children could write letters, and ask Santa Claus the gifts they want to receive in Christmas Day.

Katruz Shannen Albano, 17, a friend of mine, migrated in US last October 2010. This year would be her second time to celebrate Christmas in US, the first Christmas according to her is not that happy compared to the Christmas here in Philippines.

“ Masasabi kong hindi naman talaga kasing saya ng pasko sa pilipinas iyong pasko dito sa Amerika. Totoo pala yung sinasabi nila na Iba pa rin talaga yung Paskong Pinoy,” She said.

She also added that even though Christmas in US is considered as holiday, people would still prefer to go to work because of Double pay, unlike in Philippines, because we love to extend our vacation in work just to spend more quality time with family. She also said that Thanks Giving in US is more important for the Americans compared to Christmas, because during Thanks Giving, there a lot of clothes, shoes, gadgets, and etc. that are on SALE.

Moreover, she said that the main dish of their Noche Buena in US is Turkey and ham, because it is said to be a Christmas Tradition in US.

When asked if her 1^st Christmas in US is a White Christmas, she said “Last year, mga bandang November 16 pa lang nag ssnow na, hangang mag pasko yun. Naranasan kong maglaro ng snow, gumawa ng snowman, na hindi ko naman naransan sa Pilipinas.”

She said that she is too excited to spend her 1^st Christmas in US because of White Christmas. But when she already experienced Christmas in other country, she felt sad, and longing to go back in Philippines to eat her favorite Bibingka, to go to Simbang Gabi with his barkadas, and also, to feel the belongingness. “Malungkot kasi parang kami lang yung nagsasaya dito, yung paligid namin tahimik lang, hindi tulad sa Pinas. Madaming Christmas Party, mga inuman, yung mga ganun talaga yung sobrang nakaka-miss,” she ended.

Having a Plain Christmas, I mean no snow, and no more dreaming of a White Christmas, just the typical Christmas in Philippines is much better. Because in here, you will feel the true meaning of Christmas that cannot be felt in other countries. Many  of our OFWs are dying to fly back to the Philippines because they want to celebrate Christmas here with their families.

White, Asia,  Spanish or whatever kinds of Christmas it will be. Filipino Christmas will always be in our hearts.

Resources:

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philippine_christmas.htm

http://mmdelrosario.hubpages.com/hub/Christmas-in-the-Philippines

http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/spain.shtml

Behind The Blinking Lights

It was five o’clock in the morning, still dark outside and all were still sleepy head, drowned in their dreams with their

cushy and warm beds, when suddenly a ‘click’ was heard and a banging music started to air… “Kay sigla ng gabi , ang lahat ay kay saya. Nagluto ang ate ng manok at tinola…”

LANTERN'S RAMP. Colorful and dazzling lanterns displayed on the street sides of San Fernado Pampanga.

And everyone was disturbed.

It was November and yet our neighbors tend to be the alarm clock of our barangay as they played Christmas songs every wee time, around 3-5 hours every day. And I couldn’t help but be annoyed. In our home where people have a hereditary insomnia, most probably we’ll not be waking up eagerly just to happily sing along with those songs.

Don’t get me wrong.

I’m neither a Grinch nor a naysayer of Christmas. It’s just so unbelievable why most of us do exaggerate the celebration of Christmas. From the cumbancheros a.k.a. the carolers who will knock doors of neighbors after neighbors even as early as September, to the parols and other Christmas decorations hang on the street sides and inside each Filipino homes (although there’s an increase in electric bill charges), it seems so improbable for a belief that behind poverty as our mainstay backdrop, we still got to avail a sumptuous Christmas, by hook or by crook. Even budget is saying a ‘no’ it still a choice of yes or yes.

TRACING THE ROOT

And I found out who is to be blame for this: the Spaniards.

THE CUMBANCHEROS A.K.A. CAROLERS. A traditional way of celebrating Filipino christmas.

A rewind from the past, it was noted that during the second half of the 19^th century, Filipino lives were just revolving and carried away by the beliefs of the church which was dominated by the Dominicans at that time, making our country then tagged as ‘amoy-simbahan society’ as they devote their almost every day doing religious stuff. With this, there was no chance for them to have mental activities, leaving their brain cells stagnant and rusty. The tendency which most likely happened was the dependency of the Filipinos to superstitious beliefs even if there were no basis for it.

And apparently, marks of the past remain as Filipino still practiced most of them. And the festive way of celebrating Christmas for example is only one of those. The family bonding, the feeling of excitement every time you open a gift under the improvised Christmas tree, the contagious happiness of cheering for a good life with the tune of “Pasko ay Sumapit’, eating the noche Buena at exactly 12 midnight with prepared special foods that are so rare to see in the daily meal; all of these are just part of the Filipino culture that we couldn’t somehow erase to ourselves, influenced by our past. However, the decision on whether to stick with these traditions or not still depends on us as our persistence is somehow betrayed whenever we see our neighbors have their  liston grilled on their backyard and the 20 christmas lights embedded on their veranda.

 

WESTERN INFLUENCES                                

SIMBANG GABI. One of the ways of celebrating Christmas as well an opportunity for others to date.

White Christmas. One of the biggest fans of this would probably be a Filipino. Despite the fact that even a snow flake could not make it to the Philippines, we are still hoping to have one because of our great admiration to have snowmen on our front door, to the big socks hang on the chimney hoping someone will full it of gifts, to their pine trees with that sweet smell and of course, the fictitious Santa Claus who is a viral all over the world, making him forged everywhere.

Although in US, people there don’t delve so much of their time in celebrating Christmas. They do decorate their houses and gather their family for a dinner but they still have works during the season. Here in the Philippines, we have a looooooong vacation for Christmas, extended up to New Year, like two weeks or so, while compared to west, they even have to go their offices during the Christmas day, considering it as a special day, yet a day for work.

The attitude we have to relax and enjoy the season seems to be the triggering factor why the indolence still got room in

FILIPINO'S CHRISTMAS DREAM. We're longing for it here in our country though it's far from reality.

our system, something that our national hero, Rizal had noticed to us. Public or private schools start their individual Christmas parties as early as the second week of December, letting their students do the planning for the party and scheduling major exams next year (a very nice way of ending the year) making them feel sluggish even as they go back the next year. Instead of a renewed faith and vow to school, they tend to demand for an extension of vacation, becoming so use to the ‘petiks mode.’ And it’s not a good sign.

OBSERVER’S PERIMETER

Behind the twinkling and blinking lights of the different sizes of lanterns on the streets, the Christmas bonus which will be splurged at once just so to say that we’ll have Christmas (a traditional yardstick of Filipino as to who are those who haves and have nots), those who are attending/ dating on the Simabang Gabi or Misa de Gallo who somehow altering the real purpose of it, and the perspective we have that the more we accumulate, the more we have that new stuff to brag, the more we will be happy for ourselves; we are missing the actual thing to be celebrated. Are we getting narrower?

How come we depend the essence of Christmas to ourselves when it fact it’s not all about us? How come we’ve been so inundated with the material things that we are devouring to have when at the first place, it’s not the real deal? Have you ever tried to observe why most of us think of our own sake while forgetting why we have Christmas?

Go back, review.

THE REAL REASON. Let's go back to the real purpose of Christmas, and that is celebrating it with all the glory to Jesus Christ.

Christmas is about the point in our lives we need to celebrate in deem and be thankful for the reason of our emancipation to sin. That baby in the manger is a need of persons who will let him in to their hearts just like what his parents did then before, but no one did. Are you going to do the same thing?

This Christmas, be different.

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PHOTOS RETRIEVED FROM:

(DEC 13, 2011/ TUESDAY/9:49PM)

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=giant+lantern+festival+san+fernando+pampanga&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=634&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=RX4Wa0rTgwSbwM:&imgrefurl=http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/2011-travel-planner-362357%3Fpage%3D0,4&docid=raqZSPIS1HUThM&imgurl=http://www.cnngo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/inline_image_624x416/2010/12/21/IN_San_Fernando_Lanterns_III.jpg&w=624&h=416&ei=LVjnTqq4LIKOmQWn6rCbCg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=554&sig=109161667800630804054&page=1&tbnh=132&tbnw=176&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0&tx=73&ty=89

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=filipino+carolers&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1280&bih=677&tbm=isch&tbnid=Y4w89ZnYbn-p3M:&imgrefurl=http://mmdelrosario.hubpages.com/hub/Christmas-Caroling-in-the-Philippines&docid=MOS6o22YxMciGM&imgurl=http://s3.hubimg.com/u/102038_f248.jpg&w=248&h=288&ei=yFDnTpFTh5SIB7WSpdsI&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=193&vpy=116&dur=25&hovh=230&hovw=198&tx=108&ty=135&sig=109161667800630804054&page=1&tbnh=159&tbnw=137&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=simbang+gabi&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=634&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=CR7hUQldUO6w_M:&imgrefurl=http://www.pinoygigs.com/blog/tag/simbang-gabi/&docid=xrg0hGgkGuSB_M&imgurl=http://www.pinoygigs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/simbanggabiwb6.jpg&w=500&h=375&ei=flTnTsDYOMipiAf8mNTgCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=443&vpy=298&dur=3412&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=115&ty=108&sig=109161667800630804054&page=1&tbnh=135&tbnw=178&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=white+christmas&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=634&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=_sdqO1RdNs73bM:&imgrefurl=http://frtim.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/white-christmas/&docid=_eeNik5OMX0OXM&imgurl=http://frtim.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/whitexmas.jpg&w=640&h=480&ei=HlbnTvmkC4OTiQfXxfD4CA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=692&vpy=216&dur=1991&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=125&ty=131&sig=109161667800630804054&page=1&tbnh=120&tbnw=174&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=simbang+gabi&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=634&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=1Era0OlkvH5agM:&imgrefurl=http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philippine_christmas.htm&docid=WUQ5Tg020hK-LM&imgurl=http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philip15.jpg&w=372&h=281&ei=flTnTsDYOMipiAf8mNTgCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=981&vpy=150&dur=164&hovh=195&hovw=258&tx=181&ty=99&sig=109161667800630804054&page=1&tbnh=136&tbnw=178&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0.

No Other Place but Home

Month of December photo courtesy of Google pics

It was the first week of December when Angeline was helping her mom to put Christmas decorations at home. She and her mom built their eight feet Christmas three (with various decorations such as Christmas balls and a long strand of red ribbon) and placed it behind their sofa at their living room and lately they hang three medium size parols at center of their huge French windows. They also put Christmas lights afterwards at their veranda (terrace) and then they turn it on. Angeline-an eleven year old girl-and her family has always done this Christmas decoration habit as every Filipino family do.

As the climate gets colder-which you have to ware thick clothes at night and also in break of dawn- and while most people are busy in going to shopping malls to buy some stuff for gift-giving, Angeline was also busy in thinking about what could be his father’s Christmas gift to her. Her Father who is been working in Saudi Arabia as a driver in a huge shipping company in three consecutive years has missed the ambiance, happenings and spirit of Christmas at his beloved country. He was expected to arrive home soon from Saudi at that time. The young and sweet little chubby girl Angeline wonders how many days long before her father would come home. After minutes of wondering, Angeline fell asleep on the mat, maybe due to the Christmas song (various songs of Jose Mari Chan and Leo Salonga) that her mother has played on the stereo.

Simbang gabi photo courtesy of Google pics

It’s the 16 day for the last month of the year and Angeline was excited to go in the pre-dawn mass. Her mom told her that she will awake her around three in the morning so that they could attend the mass. Angeline who was ready to take asleep has suddenly remembered the time when she with her mom and dad has attended simbang gabi. She remembered that after the mass, they ate a couple bibingka at some puto bumbong. She fell asleep after she prayed that her dad would safely arrive at home before Christmas.

December 23, a few days later. Angeline’s dad has finally arrived at home. Angeline has finally felt the warmth love of her father. “Oh I really miss you daddy.” Angeline said while being embraced by him. “I ‘am very happy to be here Angeline. There is no other place in the word that could celebrate the merriest Christmas but this home, here at Philippines,” he said. Her dad elaborated to her that it is hard to celebrate Christmas abroad – particularly in Saudi.  He said that Christmas celebration there is forbidden. Buying or building a Christmas three would cause him punishments against authorities. Christmas lights, memorabilia’s and other decorations will also do the same consequence. But her father told her that they have somehow (with his companion) managed to celebrate Christmas in a difficult way. He said that he and his companions have to go out of the main city to be afar from local policemen but still be watchful of them. There, they built tents to conduct parties such a little feast. They exchanged gifts, sang Christmas carols, drank some beer and wine, and ate some delicacies such as ham. Her father end his Christmas experienced abroad by telling Angeline that what matter is they tried and still manage celebrate Christmas even if they are in state of difficulty. After their conversation, they had dinner with ham and bread for that night.

Photo courtesy of Google pics

Christmas day! Angeline was very happy at last because her family was finally complete at this special moment of her life. There is really no happiest day formost children than this. Angeline was happy to visit her godparents and to receive the blessings and gifts that they had given her. She was delight when she receives a talking doll given by one of her godmother. Later of that day, they went to cinema to watch the annual film festival. She had fun watching Enteng Kabisote while eating popcorns. Afterwards they went to a carnival where they ride carousel, bump cars and played video games. Angeline had a great time on that day. She was thankful to the One that granted her wish.

As the Christmas day pass and the new years have just arrived, her dad that told her that he has to go back abroad. But her dad promised to her that next year after his contract end in Saudi, he will came back at the first week of December and then he will brought her with her mom to France to celebrate Christmas there. He said to her that France celebrates Christmas as Filipinos do. He said that she will also see some different kinds of belen – that is made of figurines which they called santons. There, she will also taste some delicacies that are seasoned to eat during Christmas such as bûche de Noël and Galette des Rois, and there they will also attend midnight mass.

On the day of her dad departure (at the airport), Angeline asked her dad one strange question. She asks him of what country that he would prefer to celebrate Christmas? Her dad answer with no hesitation that it is his native land (Philippines) that he will still prefer. He said that we will just visit the other countries but this place will always be first in my heart and yours.

Photo courtesy of Google pics

“Farewell my beautiful and beloved daughter. Keep on praying with your mom, and I will keep promise to be with you in the next Christmas. Goodbye honey,” her dad expressed with tears of joy.

Christmas in Asia!

There is so much to talk about when we say Christmas in the Philippines, not just because Christmas is indeed a very especial occasion to us but because our country is predominantly Christian and the most Christianize country inAsia. A vibrant Muslim community might be seen in southern Mindanao but over all, the spirit Christianity is the one that reigns in our country. the birthday of Jesus is also being celebrated by other countries but no country in Asia celebrates Christmas as festive as we do. And to further realize how especial our Christmas and to know how it is being celebrated across different cultures, let us take a little travel among Asian countries and find out their way of rejoicing Christmas!

SOUTH KOREA – “Sung Tan Chuk Ha” (Merry Christmas)

 

Korea is primarily a Buddhist country but around 25 percent of its population are Christians. Christmas is an official holiday inKorea,

but less fanfare and presents can be seen. They also decorate their churches with brilliant lights. However, since almost 75 percent  of population are Buddhist, Christmas is not a very important occasion to them. They also exchange gifts and the most popular gift in Korea is money. They are fond of giving money in any kind of occasion. Santa is also popular in Korea but with a name of Santa Grandfather!who usually wears blue.

When it comes to food, Many Koreans goes out to different restaurants. Food outlets are busy on Christmas, as it is considered a romantic  holiday for couples, and theme parks and shows have special Christmas events-(Koreanfood.com). On the other hand, Christmas perceives as a special shopping day for non- Christians.

 

VIETNAM – “Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh”! (Merry Christmas)

Around seven percent of the populations ofVietnamare Catholics and a vibrant festivities particularly in its largest city Ho chi minh can be observed.

Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year, including the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and the Mid-autumn Festival.

Although the  Christians observed the religious rituals of Christmas,(http://www.vietnam-beauty.com).

Christmas inVietnamis a big event, especially inHo Chi Minh City, Vietnamese celebrate Christmas almost the same as Filipinos, Christians attend

Midnight mass on Christmas Eve and return home to a deluxe Christmas dinner. If Filipinos have Keso de bola, hamon and lechon Vietnamese have

chicken soup while wealthier people eat turkey and Christmas pudding.

 

INDIA – “Bade Din Ki Mubarak”  (Merry Christmas)

Christianity is India’s third-largest religion, with a around 25 million christians, constituting 2.3% of India’s population.

   Christmas in India is not a special event with barely three percent population of       Christians, Christmas is definitely not a big deal. People in India have rarely  Christmas tree for decoration. A Banana or Mango tree is used to decorate their houses. Every Christian family always makes sure to have a stock of sweets to serve for their visitors during Christmas season. Indians also love parties, they love dancing, eating and drinking during Christmas, they usually party ate hotels and restaurants.

Here, their Father Christmas or Santa Claus delivers gifts to children from a horse and cart. He’s known as ‘Christmas Baba’ in Hindi, ‘Baba Christmas'(http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/india.).

 

JAPAN- “Merii Kurisumasu”(Merry Christmas)

Christmas inJapanis different from other countries which have a large number of Christian community Christmas. Only 1/2 of 1% of the Japanese population is estimated to be Christian, with the majority of Japanese being tolerant of all faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, Shinto, etc. In spite of this, the Japanese are great lovers of festivals and celebrations, including Christmas (Billy Hammond, Christmas inJapan)

Here, Christmas  is not an official holiday it is only celebrated as a commercial and secular festival, For  less than one percent of Christians in Japan Christmas is a  time for Christmas lights^[7] and Santa Claus, parties, gift exchanges, and eating things like Christmas cake (a Japanese creation) rather than a religious occasion. Eating Christmas cakes is a Japanese way to celebrate Christmas . You can find a wide variety of attractive Christmas cakes at stores. Christmas Eve has also become a night for couples to go out and spend a romantic time together at fancy restaurants or hotels inJapan.

MALIGAYANG PASKO!

Whether we are in recession or in progress, Christmas in our country is always merry! Iin other countries, Christmas is might not that special but for us Filipinos this is not just a simple event. Christmas means a lot for Filipinos, it is the mother of all occasion, it is the time for family reunions, time for giving and sharing, time for savoring foods and time for joy and peace.

Merry Christmas to ALL!!

“Christmas: the Pinoy and Italian Styles”

           

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is one of the widely celebrated holidays and truly the longest celebration in the Philippines. As soon as the month ending with “ber” rolls around, preparations for Christmas begins. Since many believe that it’s a time for family, for sharing, for food, fun, and friendship, it’s already a tradition to enjoy this season with your loved ones.           

            By the way, Christmas is not a rare thing. It might be awkward to say that you don’t know what’s going on about this familiar thing, for this is celebrated by 1/3 of people across the globe and considered as the most anticipated fiesta of the year.

"Simbang Gabi"

Celebrated every 25^thof December, Christmas in the first place is identified as the birth date of the holy child, Jesus Christ. Like in the Philippines which is a tropical country, Filipinos absolutely enjoy Christmas holidays even though there are no snow flakes falling from within as what winter does in the West. While in Italy, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated before people learn Christmas. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun. Until in fourth century when church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday and Pope Julius I chose December 25 as its celebration date. Italians believe that their Christmas was original and historical. But Filipinos are proud to proclaim that their Christmas celebration is the longest and merriest in the world. The point is that what ever the climate of a country and how beautiful its nature is, as long as warm-hearted people with their true devotion to family and faith signifies the true meaning of Christmas. No matter what religion you believe, what tradition you practice in celebrating this event and wherever you are, still each one should respect one another’s conviction beyond the deep understanding of what Christmas really is.

Italian Christmas

            Therefore, let’s not waste time. Listed below are the ways of how Filipinos and Italians celebrate their Christmas.

Christmas Decors

            Yes! In the Philippines, Christmas would be meaningless without the traditional symbols and decorations. Filipinos make beautiful and colorful Christmas decorations along their houses, as if a competition is presently going on between them and their remote neighbors. Star lantern made of bamboo is the most common décor you could see in every Filipino home. As a symbol of Christmas, it represents the guiding light and the star in Bethlehem. Filipinos really enjoy decorating their homes not only with star lanterns but also with all sorts of Christmas decors. A Christmas tree usually placed at the center of the living room, strung with multicolored lights while humming a famous jingle tune, is also an adornment during the celebration, together with a belen which is a tableau representing the Nativity scene. There are also alluring Christmas cards, pinned on red and green ribbons, hung inside the house or displayed under the Christmas tree.

Meanwhile, one of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy

Nativity Scene

is having a decoration of Nativity crib scene. It’s actually the Italian version of Filipino’s belen and it’s in the city of Naples where cribs and crib making are world famous. The Nativity scene is one of the most beloved and enduring symbols of Christmas in Italy.  Creating the Nativity scene during Christmas essentially originated in Italy and is now a popular custom not only in the said country but also in many other parts of the world. Legend has it that, St. Francis of Assisi once asked Giovanni Vellita, a villager of Greccio, to create a manger scene. Giovanni made a very beautiful Nativity scene and before this St. Francis performed a mass. Thereafter, the creation of the figures or pastori became a very popular genre of folk art. Moreover, Nativity scene is known as Presepe Napoletano which means Neapolitan Cribs. Cribs are traditionally put out on the 8^th of December. But the figure of the baby Jesus isn’t put into the crib until the evening of December 24. Naples is also the home of the largest crib scene in the world, which has over 600 objects on it. There include not only the usual characters and figures in the Christmas story but also the figures of commoners in an actual community such as politicians, teachers, engineers, and so on.

Christmas Traditions

             Christmas in the Philippines formally begins on December 16 with attendance at the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses and continues on nonstop until the first Sunday of January, and the Feast of the Three Kings that officially ends the season.

            Filipino Christmas is a mixture of Western and native Filipino traditions. Knowing Santa Claus, sending Christmas cards, and singing carols came from the cultures of the West to fit with the nature and personality of every Filipinos. One of the Filipino traditions is the Christmas Novena or Simbang Gabi. It is a nine-day celebration before the Christmas Day. Literally, simbang gabi means ‘night worship.’ Catholic churches throughout the country will be ringing bells around 3:00 or 3:30 in the morning long before the rooster’s crow, to send message of hope in God and of peace on earth. Whatever others perception to this celebration, it is only a modicum of reflection and allows everyone to gain insight into the deeper meaning of Christmas.

            In Italy, the Christmas traditions are based heavily on the religion of Christianity. The opening of the Holy season is announced by the sound of cannon firing of Saint Angelo in Rome. Eight days before Christmas, a special service of prayers and church worship begin which ends on Christmas Day. This special service is known as Novena, a Roman Catholic worship service consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days. During this period, children dressed as shepherds, playing pipes, go from house to house reciting Christmas poems and singing Christmas carols. Usually, money is given to these children right after their performance and small presents are drawn from the Urn of Fate. On Christmas Day, the pope gives his blessing to crowds gathered in the huge Vatican square. Present there are families clothed with their new pair of shoes, and shining jewelries. Furthermore, Italian children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their presents. Traditionally, the presents are delivered by a kind ugly witch whom they named Befana on a broomstick. This is the Italian version of Santa Claus. It was said that she was told by the three kings that the baby Jesus was born, but she was busy and delayed visiting the baby at that time. And so what she did was she never stops searching for the baby and always leaves presents at every house with children in case the holy child is there. She slides down chimneys, and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and she leaves coals for the bad ones.

Christmas Foods

            Another tradition performed in a Filipino home during holidays is the Christmas Eve. As its name implies, it is a midnight exactly dated every 24^th of December without sleep and a continuous celebration moving right into Christmas Day. After the last mass of simbang gabi, a family feast called Noche Buena is immediately followed. Foods are served usually in buffet style which includes lechon baboy, queso de bola, hamon, pancit, fried chicken, chocolates, fruit salads, and so on. Drinks such as teas, juices, wines, and other alcoholic liquors, are also served ice-cold on the buffet table. Friends, relatives, neighbors, and visitors, dined of the food prepared by the host family while dropping a wish to every family member “Merry Christmas!” This gathering not only provides an opportunity for a reunion of immediate and family distant family members but also to share love among people with same beliefs. Some families may choose to exchange gifts at this time while others preferred to wait until Christmas Day. There are also families who have a talent show during Christmas Eve celebration. Children who standout best after asked to perform in the spotlight will be rewarded tokens from their rich relatives.

             A strict feast is observed for 24 hours before Christmas Eve in Italy, and is followed by a celebration meal, in which a light Milanese cake called panettone features is served as well as chocolate. Another famous cake is Pandoro, a soft golden colored variety which originated in Verona. During the Christmas Eve, a traditional dish of eel is also served hot on the table for they believe that the fish brings peace and good luck to the family.  Though the menu varies from region to region, the first course of a Christmas feast is Lasagna, Cannelloni or a timbale of pasta. Mixed roast or roast beef form the main item for the second course. These are served with various types of cheeses, fruits (dried and otherwise) and lots of sweets, all soaked in a good quality red or white wine. Grappa, Whiskey and other hard liquors are also served during the feast. A Tortellini in Brodo which is filled with pasta parcels in broth is the common dish during Christmas Day lunch.

Buon Natale

            Christmas Day in Filipino and Italian styles is really a popular day not only for colorful decorations, delicious foods served, precious gifts shared, and paid visits by children to their godparents, but also a day of family closeness which everyone wishes good cheers and glad tidings at each other. Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!    

References:

Retrieved from http://www.foto.portnapoli.com on December 10, 2011.

Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/christmas on December 10, 2011.
Retrieved from http://www.seasite.niu.edu on December 10, 2011.

Retrieved from http://www.the-north-pole.com on December 10, 2011.

Retrieved from http://www.santas.net on December 10, 2011.

Retrieved from http://www.whychristmas.com on December 10, 2011.

Retrieved from http://www.crewsnews.vispa.com/journey.htm on December 10, 2011.

 

Pinoy Christmas

When does it really start? In school, Christmas is felt towards the middle part of December when exams/quizzes are ending and students plan about parties. When I was working at a shopping mall, the first hints of Christmas spring up in September!

The celebration of Christmas in the Philippines is quite different from other countries, especially in non-Christian areas. Due to our religion, we celebrate the holiday in a super grand way!

Christmas is the longest of the Philippine festivities stretching for over a month, or it really depends on when a Filipino feels to start or end it. This makes the Filipino Christmas celebration perhaps the longest Christmas season in the world.

So, what makes the Filipino Christmas unique? Filipinos have a lot of Christmas tradition which makes us different from the others, here are some of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pinoy Parols.Main decoration symbol in other countries is a Christmas tree. In the Philippines, you see Christmas Parols in almost every corner of the street. Parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration, a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern that reminds Filipinos of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus.

 

Beautiful Christmas songs only Pinoys can sing. Lea Salonga, Gary V, Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo, Jed Madela, are just a few of Filipino singers who can truly satisfy Filipinos on Christmas songs.

Bibingka and PutoBumbong – they are true Pinoy delicacies specially prepared during the season. They would often be served on banana leaves topped with butter or margarine and grated coconut meat.

 

Simbang Gabi. Starting December 16, a large portion of the population would flock to attend Mass at their local Catholic congregation. This Christmas tradition is called Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. It translates to Masses at Cock’s Crow which is held usually early in

the morning.

Kids Street Caroling. Although sometimes annoying because they would repeatedly go back to your house, there is no other place in the world one can experience this Christmas caroling.

 

So, there, Christmas in the Philippines is just an amazing experience. It is that magical time of year when everything just falls into place.I have seen a glimpse of Christmas in Hong Kong and it is no where near to what I know of Christmas celebration the Pinoy way.

 

For me, there is no place else to celebrate Christmas but home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Incomparable You

               “Christmas won’t be the same without you. Christmas won’t be the same if you go. All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree (is you). Christmas won’t be the same without you.” This is a very heartwarming Christmas song which I always remember during celebration of Christmas. Going to mass for 9 evenings to complete the Simbang Gabi or Evening Mass, eating the all-time favorite in this time of season; puto bumbong and bibingka, and how can we ever forget giving gifts or money to our nephews and nieces most especially to our godchildren singing Christmas carols to impress us and somehow brings fun and happiness to the celebration. These are what every Filipino misses when they go miles away from the country.

            Celebrating Christmas in Philippines is very incomparable according to my relatives and friends working and living abroad. Christmas season is one of the biggest and extravagant season celebrations in the Philippines besides New Year. Everyone in the family is present for the celebration; bringing potlucks and having the very memorable family picture. But how does the Philippine Christmas differ from other Christmas celebration. I’ve interviewed my friends and relatives abroad on how they celebrate Christmas on the country they live in.

          Ms. Tanya Lianza, 46, my former High school teacher shares her story as she spends her Christmas in Elkhart, Kansas. “There is no comparison. The Philippine celebration of Christmas is the best. We celebrate it for the longest time (from September to the 1st week of January or the three kings as commonly known to Filipinos). Here in Kansas, Christmas is not celebrated as grand as the way they celebrate Thanksgiving, which is how we celebrate Christmas in the Philippines. In Kansas City, Christmas is celebrated as a holiday but it is just like an ordinary day. People here tend to make a feast during Thanksgiving but not Christmas. In the Philippines you can really feel Christmas in the air when the month starts to end with ‘ber’. You can hear Christmas songs in the airwaves as early as September. Here it is already November and I haven’t heard one Christmas song. There is no “Simbang Gabi” & “Caroling” or I just haven’t experience it yet, except for the Simbang Gabi I attended when I was in Arizona because we had a Filipino priest there who initiated the mass. And last what I miss most about the Philippine Christmas is the bibingka and puto bumbong.”

          Ma. Theresa Azores, 27, former classmate in High school looks back as she presently lives and work in Dubai. “Paskong Pinoy sa Pinas walang katulad. Dubai has its own version of Pasko but still I have never ever felt it the way it is felt pag nasa Pinas ka. Yes, I know some Pinoy who already put up their Christmas tree but no one told me nor expressed to me their excitement. Not even mga Batang Pinoy. I thought, it is now becoming just a trend instead of a celebrated gathering. Hindi lahat ng Pinoy nakakapag-celebrate ng Pasko lalo na kapag nasa Middle East ka, swerte lang ang mga Pinoy sa Dubai because they have their liberty to celebrate it, mga Pinoy kapag Pasko dito may 2 days Paid Leave and UAE government honor it. I have not celebrated Pasko for over 5 years now, I am a Muslim. But, somehow, nakaka-miss ang nakagawian at kinalakihan mong Simbang Gabi, Puto bumbong, Bibingka, Caroling, Christmas Eve Dinner at marami pang iba. I might not wish you a “Merry Christmas” but surely I will say “Enjoy the Holiday”. At any given chances, I greet back and smile when I am greeted “maligayang pasko kabayan”, because as much as Catholic respects Islam, I do highly respect the tradition where I am from.”

   

          Bernard Mejia, 28, a fellow Rotaractor express his sentiments as he lives and work presently in Dubai. “Christmas in the Philippines is the best of them all even if we don’t have snow cones nor paid leaves. In addition to which in Philippines we were celebrating the event full heartedly kahit na wala tayong maraming pera or handa sa noche buena the thought that everybody is going to wake up at 12am and greet each other a happy season greetings is incomparable, even if we were trying to call all our relatives from afar even if it’s very hard to get in touch with them from 11pm to 5am, kahit delay messages sige pa din ang text.”

 

 

 

          Nadia Vinegas, 27, former classmate in High School and a colleague shares her story. “I have been living and working in Singapore from 2008 till now and since then I have been celebrating- both Christmas and New Year here. Its incomparable celebrating Christmas in Philippines and here, although you’ll see a lot of Christmas decorations everywhere, the excitement and happiness you’ll feel is totally different. In Philippines, you already look forward to Christmas when September comes in – anticipating 13 month pay – Christmas shopping- get together with Family, Christmas party etc. But it’s not the same here- multicultural kasi ang Singapore. They have Malays (Muslim), Indian (Hindu), and Chinese (Buddhist, Christian, Taoist and sama mo na mga free thinker or no beliefs) so kahit September na najn un Deepavali to Celebrate for Indians, yung Hari Raya Puasa for Muslims- yung Thanksgiving sa western then Christmas!

I haven’t celebrated Christmas Like I used to while still living in Manila- I haven’t been with my family for Christmas and New Year or Celebrated Company Christmas party or having Christmas groceries or free ham from the company.

Christmas in Singapore is celebrated by Christian Populations only but it’s more of just having a so Called Christmas “LOG CAKE” and Christmas HAM and Church visit on the evening then after Christmas prayer, tulugan na.

Very equal ang treatment ng government ng Singapore sa lahat including immigrants like the Filipino Community we can have SIMBANG GABI here, pero literal na gabi its 7 in the evening- starting December 15- iba’t-ibang church nagsponsor then may libre lugaw afterwards prepared by Filipino Organizers – meron din kaming tagalog mass every 4th Sunday of the month- depending on the churches schedule so between December 15  to 24 alam na- punong puno ang Church at Bus at halos magkastampede na sa dami ng nagsisimbang gabi.

Yung mga Filipino lang nagsasaya at nagiingay dito kapag Christmas at New Year un mga DH nasa Orchard nagsasayawan sila dun – halo halo- Korean Community- Japanese Community- Myanmar community etc., nagkikita-kita sa orchard at dun ngcecelebrate

Kapag me nagsumbong sa pulis na maingay- alam na Filipino Friends and Family nagkakaraoke! Kapag New Year naman kelangan ng permit para magpaputok kaya nanuod na lang kami ng TV para sa countdown.

Mas Masaya talaga sa Pilipinas as in!”

 

          Billy Rey Caballero, 27, former classmate in High school who works and lives presently in Singapore expressed his desire in celebrating Christmas. “2 years ako sa Dubai pero di ko naramdaman ang Christmas dun kasi iba ang culture and religion. Sa Company ko, hindi holiday ang Christmas kaya kaylangan magwork. Although, mas open city ang Dubai unlike other cities and countries in the Middle East kaya kahit papaano may mga Christmas decoration pa rin sa mga mall at my church mass. Mga Filipino co-worker lang kasama mong magcecelebrate ng Christmas at new year.

Ngayon nasa Singapore nako, 1st year ko pa lang dito, mas open kaysa sa Dubai at mas maraming Christian. Pero di ko pa rin maramdamn na parating na pala ang Pasko.

There’s nothing like spending Christmas and New Year’s holiday in Philippines. Wala ng tatalo sa saya pag kasama mo pamilya, mahal mo, kaibigan o nakikita mo kapwa mo Pilipino sa araw ng Pasko at bagong taon. Ibang iba talaga, kasi kahit maraming problema, may kaaway at may magulong politics ay naisasantabi at nakakalimutan pagdating ng araw ng pasko at bagong taon. 

Kahit saang bansa siguro tayo pumunta, kahit anong yaman at ganda ng trabaho natin sa ibang bansa, wala pa rin tatalo sa Pilipinas!”

          “Christmas is just around the corner”, we hear this very often, however, there are others who really cannot enjoy celebrating Christmas because of the cultural and religion differences. So as we sing the song again, Christmas won’t be the same with you. ‘You’ can also mean not only the person we love, but also our country, Philippines, where Christmas is well celebrated.

 

 

Photos retrieved from:

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