Catholic Traditions
The Philippines is an extremely religious nation with around 90% of the population describing themselves as Christian. 80% of that being Catholic. As a result, Christmas here is a big deal.
Traditional Catholic celebrations include special foods like Bibingka and Buko Pandan, decorations like Parol lanterns and of course religious ceremonies.
Of these traditions, Simbang Gambi embodies the Catholic spirit the best. This is a series of nine masses meant to spiritually prepare Christians for the time of commemorating the birth of Christ. At the end of this nine-day period, it is also believed that wishes will be granted.
The Pope himself celebrated Simbang Gambi in 2019.
Uniquely Filipino
Whilst foods, religiosity and decorations can be found all around the globe at this time of year, there are a number of practices that can only be discovered in the Philippines.
On the 28th of December massive puppets called Majiganggas can be spotted on the streets. These puppets are said to either depict evil spirits warded off by the birth of the Christ child or symbolic of the coming of John the Baptist before Jesus.
This practice is part of a long traditions dating back to before the second world war but was forced to stop during the Japanese invasion. The tradition re-emerged during the 1970's thanks to the efforts of Manuel Quiambao and his family, and so is often seen as being a relatively modern custom.
Indigenous Traditions
Indigenous belief systems and thought are so extensive and interesting that they warrant their own article. Christianity only arrived in the Philippines during the Spanish colonisation in 1521. Whilst Indigenous festivals are still celebrated, none are quite so big as Christmas.
Has Catholicism destroyed Indigenous forms of celebration and worship?
Whilst this may appear to be true, Indigenous forms of belief found new life within the Christian framework. Traditions like Majiganggas and icons like the Black Nazarene are typical of pre-colonial practices. This clearly indicates that the Filipino culture was not eradicated by Christian thought. Instead, the culture that existed changed the new faith into something that was accessible and unique to them.
Christmas in the Diaspora
Whilst these traditions are not necessarily celebrated by Filipinos in the UK, we have found other means of celebrating Christmas. In the month of December, Filipino communities love to fill everyone with the Christmas spirit by hosting parties.
Families and friends are brought together, each bringing a dish for the feast such as pancit or leche flan. Fun games and competitions are often incorporated for children and adults to participate in. Aside from the usual karaoke session, there is always a dance floor with music playing and everyone knows which songs are essential to get up and dance to.
These Christmas parties are for everyone to enjoy and be jolly despite being away from family in the Philippines.
Bibliography
Conde, Calro, ‘Celebrating Filipino Christmas in the UK at the Time of Pandemic’, Tinig UK, 2020 <https://tinig-uk.com/celebrating-filipino-christmas-in-the-uk-at-the-time-of-pandemic> [accessed 22 December 2022]
Guzman, Daniel De, ‘Ancient Philippines: Rituals for Land, Weather and Sailing • the ASWANG PROJECT’, THE ASWANG PROJECT, 2017 <https://www.aswangproject.com/philippines-rituals-land-weather/>
Joven, Julienne, ‘The Filipino Christmas for Non Christians’, CNN Philippines, 2018 <https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2018/12/19/non-Christian-Christmas.html>
Mercado, Leonardo N, Filipino Religious Psychology, 1977
Miller, Jack, ‘Religion in the Philippines’, Asia Society <https://asiasociety.org/education/religion-philippines#:~:text=The%20pre%2DHispanic%20belief%20system>
Tzoneva, Desi, ‘A Deeper Dive into Filipino Culture through Their Holidays’, Pulse of Asia, 2021 <https://www.1stopasia.com/blog/a-deeper-dive-into-filipino-culture-through-their-holidays/>
https://onechild.org/special-christmas-stories/a-very-sensory-christmas-in-the-philippines/
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