Simbang Gabi na naman, tayo gising na, patulog pa lang ang buwan
Simbang Gabi is a beloved Filipino Christmas tradition that is a devotional practice in the tradition of the novena, it is a series of nine evening masses usually celebrated during Advents from December 16-24, in preparation for Christmas.
It is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.
The Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior to the convent San Agustin Acolman, to hold the Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the mass in 1587.
Back then, the pre-dawn mass was announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of the Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over 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 and fishermen would wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.
Simbang Gabi is one of the most popular traditions but it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. This is a significant moment because it not only strengthens relationships among family members but it is the time where our faith is intensified and we are spiritually preparing ourselves for Christmas. It does not truly matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what matters is what it is inside the heart.
