Simbang Gabi
December 19, 2007 -- Got something to say?
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Christmas is fast approaching and Filipinos in the Washington metropolitan area are preparing to welcome the birth of Christ, Philippine style.
The community in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. have recently added more and more Filipino customs and traditions in their celebration. Among them are the hanging of colorful parols (Christmas lanterns) at home, going to private homes to sing Christmas carols, buying gifts and preparing for the sumptuous midnight dinner on Christmas eve.. But the most important addition which is now growing in popularity is the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi (evening mass) novena which leads up to Christmas eve. Along with the Simbang Gabi are the preparation of hot snacks which are taken after the mass. These include the puto bungbong, bibingka, suman, lumpia and hot chocolate.
To Americans, Thanksgiving is the designated day for family reunions. For Filipinos, Christmas eve is the occasion for family reunions. Reunion often does not only consists of parents and children, but the extended family if they are in the area - grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and friends. After the midnight mass, the feast begins. The centerpiece of the typical Filipino Christmas dinner is the lechon (roasted whole pig). This is supplemented with ham, pancit (noodles), lumpiang sariwa, chicken-pork adobo, fried chicken and other traditional Filipino foods. Dominating the dessert is the leche flan, followed by cakes, ice cream and other homemade pastries. After the dinner comes the exchange of gifts .
This year, the Filipino Catholic ministries in cooperation with the parishes have scheduled daily Simbang Gabis in churches in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
More and more Americans and Hispanics are joining these masses. The aim is to make the young generation aware of this Filipino Catholic tradition.
For the millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including seamen, nurses, teachers and domestic helpers, Christmas is a season of loneliness, of missing their families back home. Filipino groups are now trying to cushion the homesickness by hosting parties or inviting them to their family reunions.
Wishing one and all, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!
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