Simbang Gabi

SIMBANG GABI

Simbang Gabi, Dawn Mass, or Rooster Mass is one of the longest tradition among Filipino Traditions in the country. A nine-day consecutive morning mass starts as early as 4 a.m of December 16 and culminates with the "Misa de Gallo" on Christmas eve. Due to either a busy schedule or conflicting activities, the church arranges anticipated Simbang Gabi, usually at 8:00 p.m., for who wanted to complete the novena.

Simbang Gabi is a truly sacrifice and devotion of Filipino. It is a spiritual preparation for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. When Simbang Gabi starts, expect the "Caroling" season as well. A group of children or adult goes house to house to sing Christmas songs.
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.

Posted in: bibingka,caroling,Christmas,chuch,devotion,Filipino,Mexico,Noche Buena,novena,parol,puto bungbong,queso de bola,salabat,Simbang Gabi,Tradition