A History of Christmas in the Philippines The Philippines have such deep Catholic influences from the Spanish occupation during 1521 to 1898 that, to this day, the Philippines hold the longest celebration of the Christmas season. People begin greeting each other with Merry Christmas on September 1!
Table of Contents
Who Influence Christmas in the Philippines?
A History of Christmas in the Philippines The Philippines have such deep Catholic influences from the Spanish occupation during 1521 to 1898 that, to this day, the Philippines hold the longest celebration of the Christmas season. People begin greeting each other with Merry Christmas on September 1!
Who introduced Christmas in the Philippines?
The Christmas Philippines History is marked by legends, customs, symbols, and merry-making. Christianity was introduced in Philippines during the 1500s by the Spanish colonizers. The Christmas season in this tropical island is ushered in from Dec. 16, with a mass known as Misa de Gallo.
Why is Christmas so important to Filipinos?
Most Filipinos are Christians with about 80% of people being Catholics. It’s the only Asian country with so many Christians. Because of this, Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines. December is actually one of the ‘cooler’ months of the year in the Philippines.
How do tagalogs celebrate Christmas?
Being mostly Catholics, Filipinos start 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.” It’s an accomplishment to attend all nine masses!
When was the first Christmas in Philippines?
1324 A.D.
The legend of the “first” Filipino Christmas The year was 1324 A.D. and Fr. Odorico of Pordenone, a Franciscan friar-slash-missionary explorer, had found himself on the shores of a yet to be conquered land. Due to stormy weather, Fr. Odorico and his companions were forced to take refuge on the shores of Bolinao.
What is Christmas called in the Philippines?
Christmas Day in the Philippines is primarily a family affair. The Misa de Gallo is celebrated on December 25 and is usually one of several Masses that all family members (including non-churchgoers) are present.
When was the first Christmas in the Philippines?
The legend of the “first” Filipino Christmas The year was 1324 A.D. and Fr. Odorico of Pordenone, a Franciscan friar-slash-missionary explorer, had found himself on the shores of a yet to be conquered land. Due to stormy weather, Fr. Odorico and his companions were forced to take refuge on the shores of Bolinao.
Where did the Christmas holiday come from?
The origins of Christmas stem from both the pagan and Roman cultures. The Romans actually celebrated two holidays in the month of December. The first was Saturnalia, which was a two-week festival honoring their god of agriculture Saturn. On December 25th, they celebrated the birth of Mithra, their sun god.
What is the importance of Christmas?
Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The name Christmas comes from the mass of Christ. A mass service is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then comes back to life.
What is the essence of celebrating Christmas?
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. A time for us to understand the lessons from Jesus & reflect on them. Jesus brought a new religion based on love & the vision of a God who is full of compassion & forgiveness; a vision of doing everything with a positive mindset & from a place of love.
What is the true essence of Christmas?
It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.
Why do we celebrate Christmas?
Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion.
Why does Christmas start early in the Philippines?
“The most simple explanation for the Philippines’ long Christmas season is our psychological framework to count down the days to big celebrations,” said Bro. Sorita. “100 days until Christmas start on September 16th but we, Filipinos, we always like to start celebrating earlier.”
Who founded Christmas?
The first recorded incidence of Christmas being celebrated actually dates all the way back to the Roman Empire in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine – so technically the Romans invented it, although there’s no specific person who is credited with having done so.
What is the value of celebrating a Christmas?
Christmas can be a source of comfort. Because the main value of Christmas is its own origin: that God is with us. We share this joy with those closest to us. And this brings us to the next value of the Christmas holiday.