Some people are fond of kvetch that the vacation season take off too betimes in the U.S.Christmasgarlands sometimes vie with plasticjack - o'-lanternson store shelves aroundHalloween . But thisChristmas creepis nothing compared with the Philippines . In that country , Christmas celebrations start up on Sept. 1 .
More than 100 Day before Christmas Day , the Philippines ( which comprises7,641 islands in Southeast Asia ) transubstantiate into a veritable holiday wonderland . Christmas carols act on the radio set while Christmas demonstrate take over television sets . ostensibly overnight , shopping centers display their best Christmas décor . The Philippines grab the title for the retentive Christmas festivity in the world .
Celebrating the “-ber” Months
" Once the -ber month hit — September , October , November , December — in the Philippines , you may hear Christmas jingles and songs being played in malls and parks , and even babble out in the street , " says Joe Michael Valdez , who has been a Manila resident most of his life , in an email interview . " The malls and shopping centers also start to display their Christmas light and decorations , and the area really pop out to light up during the nights . There are a wide variety of trick , customs and even decoration , from Santa and his sleigh all the fashion to the nativity of Jesus Christ . "
Beginning in September , children and adult form groups in the street of the Philippines tosing Christmas carolsas they walk from house to star sign . They will hail the coming season to each household along the way of life , and the merry bands often are greeted with giving of coin or treats , or donations to the fundraising efforts they represent .
" You will eff that Christmas really is just around the corner when the caroling starts to kick in , " says Valdez . " child and teens tend to take the air around communities , singing Christmas jingles and Song at every household , using ego - made instruments like tambourine made from flattened bottle caps bear together by a thin wire or seeds seal inside bottle . Caroling is much like trick or treating , except it is done at Christmas and instead of candies and deep brown , we usually give coins . "
Why Christmas Starts in September
For as long as he can remember , Valdez aver the Philippines ' Christmas celebration has started in September , without any well - do it historic explanation as to why . For many Filipinos , it is simply a beloved custom in a country where86 percentof the universe identifies as Roman Catholic . The Christian religion wasfirst acquaint to the Philippinesin 1565 when Spanish explorers began colonialization efforts .
A close subject of human nature , however , may provide an alternative answer for the tradition ’s staying power , harmonize toClifford Sorita , a sociologist and professor atPamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila[University of the City of Manila ] in the Philippines .
" The most simple explanation for the Philippines ' long Christmas time of year is our psychological model to enumerate down the twenty-four hours to self-aggrandising celebrations , " Soritatold Rappler.com , a Filipino news site . " By knowing exactly how much clip we have remaining to discharge a task , instead of accentuate about it , we will be able to better apportion our clip . " He added that the protracted countdown " also act as a secondary motivator and reinforces us Filipinos to complete our Christmas tasks before the big day . "
Ed Timbungco , corporate communications consultant and PR professor at De La Salle - College of St. Benilde in Manilaalso distinguish Rapplerthat while many people thought the early date was driven alone by the shopping mall , that was not the case . " Filipinos patronage the prolonged observance of Christmas because we are really gull for anything that will tolerate us to observe and spend more fourth dimension with our loved ones , " he say .
From Simbang Gabi to Media Noche
As presently as the Christmas caroler hit a chord , Filipinos typically set out decorating their base with gay Christmas lanterns calledparols . These five - pointed stars are usually crafted from bamboo control stick and dyed paper or cellophane and are now lit deep down by lead Inner Light rather than traditional candles . Parols symbolize the Star of Bethlehemthat look in the Christiannativity .
Christmas festivities in the Philippines remain in full force through September , October and November , leading up to Dec. 16 , whenSimbang Gabibegins .
" Simbang Gabi , which literally translate to ' nighttime mass , ' is a nine - Clarence Day Second Coming of Christ great deal with the last mass happening on Christmas Eve , " says Valdez . " At a very untried age , I was teach that if I completed all nine Mass , on the last mass , I could make a wish and it would come rightful . "
Around the fourth dimension of the advent mass , just outside the church grounds , temporary food stall with vendors selling empurpled rice cakes topped with sugar , butter , coconut flakes and sometimes cheese , sleep together asputo bumbongwill pop up up . " This character of rice patty is very popular , especially during the Christmas time of year , " says Valdez , " and is a must - have after attending mass . "
In add-on to a traditional exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve , many Filipino families will attend the concluding mass of Simbang Gabi , calledmisa de gallo(rooster ’s mass ) which is a Christmas Eve early morning church servicing ( held 3 - 5 a.m. ) that often includes candle - lighting , a diversion of the Nativity scene and singing . The solemnisation continues with a banquet share with folk and friends , known asNoche Buenaor " night of goodness , " on Christmas Eve .
The Christmas solemnisation in the Philippines continues throughout December , with the spread ofMedia Nochetaking situation on Jan. 1 , new year ’s day , which signifies the abundance that is go for for in the coming month . The Christmas time of year continues through Jan. 6 , until theFeast of Three Kings , which officially cross off the end of the Christmas vacation in the Philippines .
" The Christmas celebration in the Philippines has changed over the years , " says Keziah Carter , co - founder of ajob website for Filipino outside workers , in an electronic mail interview . " The traditional way of celebrating Christmas is by serve Catholic mass , spend time with family and switch over gift . However , now there are also more commercialized shipway of celebrating Christmas , such as going to parties , buy expensive talent and embellish homes and offices with extravagant Christmas decorations . "
Overall , the change in how Christmas is celebrated in the Philippines may reflect the deepen sentence and values of Filipino society . " While some people prefer to stick to traditional celebrations , " Carter enunciate , " others revel the more modern and commercialized expression of Christmas . "
For most hoi polloi of the Philippines , the festivities are a vivid point throughout the fall and winter months — and they ’ll be set to do it again as soon as the calendar flips to September .
