Filipina Soul

The traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo (mass of the rooster) started in the Philippines today, December 16 and will last for 9 days (which will then be followed by the midnight mass on December 24).

These days (especially in the urban areas) the nine day Christmas masses are not held at the break of dawn (about 4 am) anymore but at about 8 or 9 pm the evening before in anticipation.

INQ7.net’s editorial section today posted some historical reminder of the simbang gabi:

What urban Filipinos may not know is that Simbang Gabi is really for farmers and the agricultural sector, in recognition of the agrarian moorings of much of Philippine culture and society.

But they [Spanish Friars] introduced an innovation: They held the Mass at dawn in order to fit it into the agricultural rhythm of the farmers, who usually woke up early to work the fields and retired early to prepare for work the next day. That’s why the Mass became known as “Misa de Gallo” [Mass of the Rooster].

So before the farmers went to work and tilled the fields, they went to dawn Masses to pray for the birth of Christ and, by extension, for a generous yield.

Honestly, I am awfully glad that they are now conducting anticipated simbang gabi masses. For the life of me, all I can remember was being dragged out of bed by my mother to attend such dawn masses and trying to keep awake in church.