The Tagalog word Pasko derives from the
Spanish word Pascua. Although the wordPascua means Easter, Pascua de Navidad
refers to Christmas.
The Philippines is known for having the
world’s longest Christmas season. The four months that end with the syllable
–ber are considered Christmas months, which is why stores and households start
playing carols on the first day of September! And the holiday season extends
beyond December 31st. It doesn’t end until the Feast of the Epiphany or Three
Kings (Tatlong Hari) which falls around January 6.
If Mexico has piñatas, the Philippines
has its parol. Of course, a parol is not something to hit with a stick. It is a
Christmas lantern, most commonly in the shape of a five-pointed star. The
bamboo or rattan frame is covered with rice paper, tissue or cellophane. Almost
every family either builds or buys one to hang by the window or door. Shopping
malls construct giant versions of parol. Traditionally, a candle was placed
inside for light to shine through; for safety reasons, people now use bulbs or
even a flashlight. Families, schools and other places also display a creche or
nativity scene called belen. Christmas trees made of plastic are decorated with
lights, tinsel and balls.
The Tagalog word for gift is regalo,
but Filipinos have a special word for "Christmas gift" — pamasko. The
Filipino version of Secret Santa is called Monito Monita or Kris Kringle. Students
in their classes and office workers all hold gift exchanges during the
Christmas season. Children receive fresh bills of money called aginaldo,
usually when they visit their godparents and elderly relatives on Christmas
morning.
Mostly Catholics, Filipinos begin a
novena (a series of nine masses) on December 16th. The masses are part of the
cherished religious tradition of Simbang Gabi, which literally means “Night
Worship.” Filipinos go to church at four o’clock in the morning and afterward
have breakfast together. A traditional drink during this season is a warm
ginger tea called salabat and a traditional treat is a flat but thick yellow
rice cake called bibingka.
On Christmas Eve (Bisperas ng Pasko), a
few Filipino towns commemorate Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay
with a reenactment called panunuluyan, a tradition very similar to the Mexican
posadas.
What every Filipino looks forward to is
Noche Buena, the grand family dinner after the midnight mass. Christmas morning
is the time for visiting relatives. Filipinos wear new if not their best
clothes. Children do mano, which is kissing or bringing to their forehead the
hand of an elderly person. This is when they receive their pamasko,
certainlyaguinaldo from godfathers and godmothers. Christmas lunch and
Christmas dinner are with family.
Source: Tagalog.com
The Philippines is known for having the
world’s longest Christmas season. The four months that end with the syllable
–ber are considered Christmas months, which is why stores and households start
playing carols on the first day of September! And the holiday season extends
beyond December 31st. It doesn’t end until the Feast of the Epiphany or Three
Kings (Tatlong Hari) which falls around January 6.
If Mexico has piñatas, the Philippines
has its parol. Of course, a parol is not something to hit with a stick. It is a
Christmas lantern, most commonly in the shape of a five-pointed star. The
bamboo or rattan frame is covered with rice paper, tissue or cellophane. Almost
every family either builds or buys one to hang by the window or door. Shopping
malls construct giant versions of parol. Traditionally, a candle was placed
inside for light to shine through; for safety reasons, people now use bulbs or
even a flashlight. Families, schools and other places also display a creche or
nativity scene called belen. Christmas trees made of plastic are decorated with
lights, tinsel and balls.
The Tagalog word for gift is regalo,
but Filipinos have a special word for "Christmas gift" — pamasko. The
Filipino version of Secret Santa is called Monito Monita or Kris Kringle. Students
in their classes and office workers all hold gift exchanges during the
Christmas season. Children receive fresh bills of money called aginaldo,
usually when they visit their godparents and elderly relatives on Christmas
morning.
Mostly Catholics, Filipinos begin a
novena (a series of nine masses) on December 16th. The masses are part of the
cherished religious tradition of Simbang Gabi, which literally means “Night
Worship.” Filipinos go to church at four o’clock in the morning and afterward
have breakfast together. A traditional drink during this season is a warm
ginger tea called salabat and a traditional treat is a flat but thick yellow
rice cake called bibingka.
On Christmas Eve (Bisperas ng Pasko), a
few Filipino towns commemorate Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay
with a reenactment called panunuluyan, a tradition very similar to the Mexican
posadas.
What every Filipino looks forward to is
Noche Buena, the grand family dinner after the midnight mass. Christmas morning
is the time for visiting relatives. Filipinos wear new if not their best
clothes. Children do mano, which is kissing or bringing to their forehead the
hand of an elderly person. This is when they receive their pamasko,
certainlyaguinaldo from godfathers and godmothers. Christmas lunch and
Christmas dinner are with family.
Source: Tagalog.com
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