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.
ORIGIN
Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope
granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent
of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because
the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending
the evening mass.
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.
SIMBANG GABI NOW AND THEN
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. Shortly after the
misa de gallo, families gather in their homes to celebrate Noche
Buena and feasted on various delicacies like queso de bola, bibingka,
puto bungbong, or a drink of salabat or hot chocolate.
SIGNIFICANCE
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.
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