| Simbang Gabi | |
|---|---|
 Simbang Gabi Mass at theSaint Joseph Parish Church ofLas Piñas | |
| Also called | Misa de Aguinaldo Misa de Gallo (for the last Mass observed in Simbang Gabi) |
| Observed by | Filipino Catholics |
| Liturgical color | White |
| Type | Nine-day series ofMasses |
| Significance | Christmas season |
| Begins |
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| Ends |
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| First time | 1669 |
| Related to | Misa de Gallo Noche Buena Christmas |
Simbang Gabi (Tagalog:[sɪmˌbaŋɡɐˈbi];Filipino for "night worship") is a devotional,nine-day series ofMasses attended byFilipino Catholics in anticipation ofChristmas. It is similar to the nine dawn Masses leading toChristmas Eve practiced in Puerto Rico calledMisa de Aguinaldo. Originally intended as a practical compromise for farmers who began working in the fields before sunrise,[1] this cherishedChristmas custom eventually became a distinct feature ofPhilippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.[2]
Simbang Gabi is held daily from December 16 to 24 and occurs at different times ranging from as early as 2:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.[3] Anticipated celebrations, meanwhile, are held from December 15 to 23, typically at 8:00 p.m. or as late as 11:00 p.m. ormidnight. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, the service is instead calledMisa de Gallo (Spanish for "Rooster's Mass").
Simbang Gabi originated in 1669 during theSpanish colonization of the Philippines, as a practical compromise for farmers who began working before sunrise. When theChristmas season would begin, it was customary to holdnovenas in the evenings, a practice common in the rest of theHispanic world; however, the priests saw that the people would attend despite the day's fatigue. As such, with the Philippines being an agricultural country known for its rice, coconut, and sugarcane plantations, the clergy began to say Masses in the early morning while it was still dark, before people went out to work the land.[1]
From 1680 to 1689, however, this practice was temporarily halted following a decree from theHoly See against the singing of hymns in native languages. The decree was also implemented in Spain, theAzores, and Mexico. At the time, the hymns could only be sung at the start and end of theTridentine Mass. Following the death of theManila Archbishop Felipe Pardo, priests resumed the celebration of the pre-dawn Masses. It eventually became an important cultural tradition in the Philippines at the turn of the 19th century.[4]
In 1953, the First Plenary Council of the Philippines petitioned the Holy See to continue the practice of Misa de Gallo, which was later granted. In 1961, the Vatican granted the continuation of theindult.[5]
On December 15, 2019,Gaudete Sunday,Pope Francis led the celebration of Simbang Gabi for the Filipino Catholic community atSt. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the first time a pope has led the traditional Mass.[6]
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Liturgically, Simbang Gabi is a series ofvotive Masses in honor of theBlessed Virgin Mary. Unless it is celebrated on a Sunday of Advent, the Mass is celebrated with great solemnity where theGloria is sung and white is theliturgical color.[5] Violet or pink is used for any other Masses said during the day.[7]
The Mass usually begins at 4:00 a.m.[8]Pope Sixtus V ordered that Mass must be heard before sunrise since it was the harvest season,[9] and farmers needed to be in the fields right after the liturgy.[3]
Simbang Gabi is also celebrated in malls, usually in open spaces. TheArchdiocese of Manila has discouraged the celebration of Mass in malls, except when a mall has its own chapel.[10]
Evening celebrations of Simbang Gabi are also held from December 15 until 23. Although erroneously described as "anticipated Simbang Gabi" (sincevigil or anticipated Masses are only applicable for Sundays andsolemnities),[4] these are done especially in urban areas. However, the propers and readings used for these Masses are those which are prescribed for the day. "Anticipation" of the propers and readings prescribed for the next day is usually prohibited; however, it is allowed by the Archdiocese of Manila.[11]
A well-known folk belief is that if a devotee completes all nine days of the Simbang Gabi, God may grant a request made as part of the novena.[12]
To give the faithful a chance to experience how Simbang Gabi was celebrated during the Spanish Era, groups which celebrate theTraditional Latin Mass also have the Simbang Gabi in candlelight, using locally composed, centuries-old settings for the propers and ordinaries of the Mass.[13]
During the Spanish colonial era and earlyAmerican colonial period, the parishioners would mostly have nothing to offer during Mass except sacks of rice, fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs. The church would share the produce with the congregation after the service.[citation needed]
After Mass, Filipinos buy and eat holiday delicacies sold in the churchyard for breakfast.Bibingka (rice cakes cooked above and below) andputo bumbong (steamed purple rice pastries, seasoned with butter, grated coconut, and brown sugar) are popular, often paired withtsokolate (hot chocolate from local cacao) orsalabát (ginger tea).[1]
Today, local delicacies are readily available in the church's premises for the parishioners. The iconicputo bumbóng,bibingka,suman and other rice pastries are cooked on the spot.Latík andyema are sweets sold to children, while biscuits likeuraró (arrowroot),barquillos,lengua de gato andotap (ladyfingers) are also available.Kapeng barako (a very strong coffee grown in theprovince ofBatangas), hottsokolate, or salabat are the main drinks, while soups such asarróz caldo (rice and chicken porridge) andpapait (goatbile stew from theIlocos region) are also found.[1]
The rice-based foods were traditionally served to fill the stomachs of the farmers, since rice was a cheap and primary staple. The pastries were full of carbohydrates needed by colonial Filipinos for the work they undertook in the rice paddies and sugar mills.
Those attending the evening Masses add these to the dinner served after the liturgy.
Filipino Christmas lanterns calledparol are linked to Simbang Gabi because they were originally used to light the way to church for people attending the pre-dawn Mass[14]. As Simbang Gabi grew into a wider cultural tradition, theparol evolved from a simple functional object into a decorative emblem of Filipino Christmas, with churches, homes, and streets displayingparols to mark the beginning of the novena and to welcome worshipers.[15]
Nativity displays, locally known asbelen, are commonly found in many places like churches, plazas, and homes during Simbang Gabi. The scene usually displays the Holy Family, shepherds, and the wise men. Many churches include large or elaborately decoratedbelen exhibits as part of their preparation for the nine-day Christmas novena[16].
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