Simbang Gabi

SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.

The changing of times does not break the preservation of celebrating Simbang Gabi although it is celebrated in new ways. Still, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues. Part of it are the colorful lights and lanterns that fill every streets. Beautiful parols are hung in every window. Songs of the season are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends and even individuals find its way going to the nearest church to attend the nine-day novena. 

Today, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues whether you live in the city or in the province, although it is celebrated in new ways. Most churches are decorated with colourful lights and beautiful parol lanterns to welcome the church goers. The Nativity Scene or "Belen" is displayed in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It shows Baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and St. Joseph. There are shepherds and farm animals. A complete scenario of the Belen includes the three wise men carrying their gifts to Infant Jesus and the star of Bethlehem that guided them in their journey. 

Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies awaits the church goers and are sold in stalls right outside the church, Favourites like bibingka, puto (rice cakes), puto bungbong, suman sa pasko, suman sa ibos and usually served with tea or coffee.Hot pandesal (breakfast roll ) are also very popular.

Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. but it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. TheSimbang Gabi is also seen as a way of requesting blessings from the Lord,as most people believe that if one completes the whole series of nine dawn masses, wishes will be granted

Over the years, Filipinos communities have made some changes in the celebration of Simbang Gabi, some urban parishes now celebrates Misa de Gallo around 8- 9 in the evening in order to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules.

The Simbang Gabi tradition is also practised by Catholic Filipinos communities who are living elsewhere in the world. No matter how or when this celebration takes place, the Simbang Gabi provides a strong indication of the depth of Catholicism among the Filipino people.

Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

(Read more here about the Simbang Gabi and photo credits due to their respective owners)

Today was the start of the Simbang Gabi. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to wake up early and I really hated it. Last year, I was able to complete the nine mornings of the Simbang Gabi and I was really happy and blessed on completing it. They say that if you completes the nine mornings, you can make a wish and it will surely be granted to you. I really can't remember if I did make a wish on that particular feat of mine but I do made a lot of wishes that I asked from the Lord and countless of these wishes came true through the blessings we received this year from the Father. Last Christmas was the first Christmas without my mother. I was personally sad that she's not with us in that very special time of the year. However, my relatives and family did a little reunion where my aunt and uncle from the US came here to the Philippines for the holidays. It was the first time we had an exchanged gifts since before, our aunts and uncles as well as our grandmothers are the ones giving gifts to us younger generations. Those cousins of mine who already have a job are also sharing their blessing to us through gifts. Maybe I could only hope that this Christmas will be as much fun as last year and the previous years even though we're incomplete this year. And I hope I could still attend the Simbang Gabi to really appreciate the true sense of Christmas and feel the Christmas in the air. Christmas here in the Philippine is the best time of the year and I'm still looking forward to this Christmas and I hope we could realize the true sense of Christmas and that is LOVE.