Christmas celebration in the Philippines by Zuzana Hanzelova

The celebration of the Advent in the Philippines is quite different from what we have. Out Christian traditions have many differences. In the Philippines, the Advent season is made by the distinctive events, local practices. Their observance of Christmas dates to the time when Christianity was introduced to their forefathers. The midnight masses and the Noche Buena starting December 16 is an old tradition from Spaniards. The Misas de Aguinaldo, nine days of masses held before sunrise, were capped by the Misa de Gallo midnight mass on the Eve of Christmas Day. The Christmas Eve treat included queso de bola, hot chocolate, chicken galantina, acharra, and leche flan. The Christmas tree and Santa Claus, exchanging of Christmas cards and gifts, as well, was brought by the Americans. But with the passing time, Philippine people added their own distinct flavour to the celebration of dawn masses, such as the pto bumbong, bibingka suman, and salabat (native tea) on their church patios, and the Noche Buena table centerpiece became the native lechon. Today, the celebration of the holiday in December is a bit different. Festivals of all sorts are held throughout the country, such as lantern or parol festivals, Christmas tree-building and lighting events, and others. Although in the Philippines, December is celebrated as Christmas Festival Month, they do not forget that Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ and that this urges their to be messengers of love and hope. Even though the Philippine celebrate their Christmas quite different it doesn't have to mean that the spirit of the Christmas is different, as well. It isn't. The idea of helping each other, and spreading peace and love still remains.

by Zuzana Hanzelova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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