How many of you celebrate Simbang Gabi?
By Suzieqmom
@Suzieqmom (2755)
United States
December 19, 2010 5:04pm CST
I understand this is a popular tradition in the Philippines, and would love to hear how you celebrate Simbang Gabi. I am even more curious to know how many other mylotters celebrate it. Here in NJ, our church is one of nine in the area that hosts a Simbang Gabi Mass, so every year we attend the Mass (at 7:00 pm), which consists mostly of singing in both Tagalog and English. The church is also decorated with Filipino-style decorations, particularly parol (star-shaped lanterns). Then there is a feast afterward where everyone can sample many different types of traditional Filipino foods and beverages. How do you celebrate this 9-day holiday event?
5 responses
@gaiza12 (4884)
• Philippines
22 Dec 10
You are lucky to have a church there that celebrates Simbang Gabi, other states and countries don't celebrate this that is why many Filipinos can't continue their practice every Christmas holidays when they go abroad. I always try to attend and hear mass every 4am in our pastoral church here. Me an my sisters usually wake up at 3am to prepare and then go to mass as early as 3:30 so we can take a seat in one of the pews. Most pews are already occupied by that time and i don't want to stand the entire mass so we really got to church early. I wanted to have puto and bibingka after the mass but our church or the vendors outside the church doesn't sell it, i know other places here in the Philippines has this. After mass we just go home by foot as part of our exercise. My sisters went back to sleep, while i go directly to work.. Im with my 6th day straight novena already. hope i can make it till the 9th day.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
23 Dec 10
We are very lucky--and it is becoming more and more popular. This year every seat in our large church was taken! Of course we hold it at night, which makes it easier for people to attend.
Yours sounds beautiful--I am sure you will make all 9 days.
Yours sounds beautiful--I am sure you will make all 9 days.
@eurekafemme (5876)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
Unfortunately, I married a person who used to be a missionary but doesn't want to a
attend masses...
All I have right now are memories of the Simbang Gabi when I was a child. How I hated getting up because it was freaking cold and how my aunt would tease me being a witch if I don't attend the mass. Of course, I never missed out on any day of my simbang gabis. After going to the church, we would then, buy puto and kutsinta which are my favorite breakfast.
It was fun and I miss those days... I am hoping I could share this same values to my kids but I guess, it will remains as a dream....
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
22 Dec 10
Maybe you could have a modified holiday--enjoy the time with family and friends (not to mention the feast) but don't attend the mass itself.
@merlibradley (407)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
My family and I attend the misa de gallo @ 4am here in the Philippines. We really look forward to these masses every year.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
22 Dec 10
That is VERY early--here our Simbang Gabi celebration is at 7:00 pm, but it is very well attended at that time!
@angelic123 (1108)
• United States
19 Dec 10
We are on its 4th day of Simbang Gabi or CHristmas Novena masses. Though it is not the Simbang Gabi that I used to attend, I am happy that there is still an opportunity to continue our tradition here in foreign country. After the mass we are gathered on the church hall to feast on different native food.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
22 Dec 10
That sounds like our celebration too--and the food is terrific!
@Lance26 (956)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
I don't attend Simbang Gabi because we (family) don't celebrate Christmas at all.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
22 Dec 10
Do you celebrate any other holidays this time of year? In our neighborhood, we have people who celebrate every type of holiday you can think of--makes for a lot of great food!
