The island nation, Philippines, has earned the
distinction of celebrating the longest Christmas season in the whole
world. Christmas in Philippines is thus a very important holiday
season. The Filipino people eagerly look forward to the holiday
season. The national holiday of Christmas is celebrated with utmost
passion, love, and devotion. Although the customs for celebration of
Christmas in the Philippines have been influenced by the European
traditions, Philippines has evolved its own unique ways to celebrate
Christmas. Read on to know more about Christmas in the Philippines.
The Christmas star, locally known as Parol, is an important
Christmas decoration used in the Philippines, which is given more
importance than the traditional Christmas tree. Parols could be seen
everywhere during the Christmas season- from malls to offices to
homes. Parol-making contests are also held in some places during the
season in Philippines, where people create spectacular light
displays using Parols. These light displays are even kept for sale
after the contest.
The Philippine Catholic tradition called as Misa de Gallo (Mass at
Cock's Crow) is known as Simbang Gabi in the local dialect. Starting
on December 16, the Mass is held early in the morning. A large
number of people would go to their local Catholic congregation to
attend the Mass. This unique Filipino tradition has been followed
since ages. Christmas carols are heard everywhere in the country
during the holiday season. A gang of little kids goes from house to
house singing old Filipino Christmas carols.
The Christmas delicacies of Philippines deserve special mention.
During the cold winter nights, the Filipino people would cook
'bibingka' and 'puto bumbong' that are served on banana leaves with
butter or margarine and grated coconut meat. The Christmas Eve is
celebrated by the Filipino families at their homes. The traditional
Christmas dinner called as Noche Buena is enjoyed by the family
members at midnight. It is a time for thanksgiving and family get
together in which gifts are also exchanged. Inviting close friends
and relatives for Noche Buena is often a great honor for the
Filipino families.
Christmas in Philippines is worth watching! The Philippine Islands
become a tourist attraction at the time of Christmas. Lavish
Christmas decorations, the rhythm of Christmas Mass, the gong of
Christmas bells, and the aroma of the mouth-watering Christmas
delicacies make the festival of Christmas a very special occasion in
the Philippines.
Christmas in Philippines is a
very long holiday season. Read this article to know more about
Christmas in the Philippines.