Filipino Desserts

Philippines is known to have the longest yet merriest Christmas in the world. A part of the longest Filipino Christmas season is the traditional Simbang Gabi. This is a time when Catholic churches across the nation open the church doors shortly before he break of dawn to welcome faithfuls to the Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi and its Meaning

Simbang Gabi when translated to English means Mass at Dawn. Simbang Gabi goes by another term made famous by its famous Spanish name as the Misa de Gallo or “mass of the rooster”. It holds a special place in the observance of a Filipino Christmas. The tradition of Simbang Gabi is to complete the series of nine-day novena to the Blessed Mary. The annual novena begins at the dawn of 16th of December and continues until Christmas Eve.

Simbang Gabi is part of the Filipino tradition when observing the season of Christmas. It is one of the longest and most popular traditions in the Philippines. This is a time when Catholic churches across the country open the door shortly before the break of dawn to ushers in the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass. It is symbolical to Catholics since it commemorates the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is quite traditional to see the “panuluyan” reenacted during the mass as an effort to show how Joseph and Mary found a birthplace.

Origin

Simbang Gabi was started following its roots in Mexico way back 1587. In 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, before the covenant of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Mass outdoors during Christmas. The Church then could not accommodate the large number of people who attended the evening mass. During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is usually announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, a brass band would play loud Christmas music loud enough to be heard all across town. It also was believed parish priests would go house to house to knock doors to wake and call all people to attend Misa de Gallo. The large number of people in attendance consists mostly of fishermen who pray for a good harvest when they hear mass before going out to the sea to fish.

The Modern Simbang Gabi

Up to this modern time, Simbang Gabi continues to live on in Catholic churches in the Philippines. It is a tradition upholded and celebrated in many ways. Christmas is felt everywhere even at churches where lanterns or parols with colorful lights fill every streets and every window. Christmas songs are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends, lovers and relatives frequent to the nearest local church to attend the nine day novena of Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi has a strong association to the Filipino’s love of food. Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies winds its way and are sold in stalls outside the church. It is usual to see Filipino favorites like bibingka (rice cake), puto bungbong, suman sa pasko, suman sa ibos served with tea or coffee. Breakfast roll or hot pandesal are also a popular breakfast food among Filipinos.  Filipino often hurry home to spend time with their family when the last Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi has ended. The usual yet special Filipino food and Filipino desserts often served during noche buena are queso de bola or edam cheese, tsokolate or hot native chocolate drink jamon en dulce or ham, pancit, barbeque, lechon or suckling pig, Western and native cakes, lumpia, rice among many others.

The Message of Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi is more than an old tradition that needs to be observed and celebrated because we need to do so. Simbang Gabi continues to be a significant moment where it strengthens the relationships among family members and a time to restrengthen our faith in God. This is a special time when we feel the loving presence of our Lord and a spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Most Filipinos believe a sincere wish is granted after completing the nine series of masses. It does not matter, however, when one fails to attend the Simbang Gabi from December 16 up to Christmas Eve or the total of nine dawn masses. The blessings given by the Lord does not depend on the number of masses attended. What really matters is what lies inside the heart and the sincerity and morale to the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Technorati Tags: Christmas mass, misa de gallo, noche buena, Philippine Christmas, simbang gabi

Welcome to our Christmas special where we will feature Filipino dessert recipes and interesting facts about Christmas in the Philippines. Read our first article here on www.filipinodesserts.net.

It is especially true and proudly proclaimed that Filipinos is the “Land of Fiestas”. Christmas season is the most well-known festive fiesta in the Philippines. This country has by far the longest and merriest Christmas season complete with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lovely, colorful Christmas decorations hung up on display whether at homes or at stores. The Christmas season officially starts on December 16 with the attendance at the first of nine pre-dawn masses and continues until the first Sunday of January, Feast of the Three Kings.

The Philippines is the only Asian country to be predominated by Christians which makes Roman Catholic as a religion followed by majority of its people. Christmas day, therefore, is a special and important family affair for most Filipinos as a Christmas tradition. It is a time for family, for sharing and giving and a time for food, fun and fellowship. Christmas Eve is a night without sleep and continuous celebration which Filipino families anticipate for the clock to strike 12 midnight. In some regions where fireworks are allowed, most families greet Christmas at the strike of 12 midnight with sparks and blasts of colorful and lively fireworks.

Noche Buena

The Noche Buena is a tradition inherited form Spanish ancestors where multitude Filipino culinary delight adds rich aroma and appetizing flavor in a Filipino home. Noche Buena is a sumptuous Filipino meal usually partaken by twelve midnight. This feast usually follows after the entire family has attended a late evening church service or Misa de Aguinaldo about an hour or so before midnight. Misa de Aguinaldo or a Holy Mass is being celebrated to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. A typical noche buena prepared on the table consists of a main course of Filipino food and Filipino desserts. The entrees of Filipino foods are lechon (roasted suckling pig), fried chicken, lumpia, chicken or pork adobo, rice among many others. Filipino desserts include halo-halo, rice cakes, pastries, cakes and so much more. After all, Filipinos are known for their love of sweets regardless of how old or young they may be. Typical drinks for all ages are soda, fruit punch and juice. Also included in the list of drinks are wine and beer for those who look forward to an intoxicating Christmas!

The Noche Buena could last until four o’clock in the morning noon Christmas day. Most Filipino families will again attend mass or church service during the morning. It is during Christmas day that some godchildren (inaanak) visit their godfather (ninong) and godmother or (ninang). Christmas day is also a perfect time to hold grand reunions of extended family clan members such as grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, uncles and aunts. It is an opportunity for families to get together, open Christmas gifts, singing Christmas carols and story-telling. In some charitable homes, it is also a way to welcome the less fortunate such as orphans or poor people to join the Christmas celebration. Christmas carolers often visit house to house to raise funds for civic organizations and are given donations in cash or kind.

Christmas is a day of family closeness and everyone in the family and clan wishes good cheer and glad tidings to one another. The Christmas spirit of generosity prevails and the love for family and God is emphasized all because of the Christmas traditions that Filipinos adheres to. All of these traditions and beliefs make up Philippines’ longest yet merriest Christmas season known in the world.

Technorati Tags: christmas spirit, christmas tradition, filipino food, misa de aguinaldo, noche buena, philippines