The Simbang Gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines as a practical compromise for farmers, who began work before sunrise to avoid the noonday heat out in the fields. It began in 1669. Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas more common in the rest of the Hispanic world. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.
The Philippines is an agricultural country known for its rice, coconut and sugarcane plantations. Many tenant farmers toiled all day with one break during noon when the heat would be at its peak. Losing an hour due to the unbearable temperatures, farmers worked hard and budgeted their time out of fear of the localencargado, who administered land for the Spanishfeudal lord or encomendero/hacendero. In between the planting and harvest seasons is a lull in the corvée forced on natives. Those who were old enough to provide manual labor were gathered under the tributo system where men would have to work for free for the Spanish colonial government's building projects. The women also had their share of work tending to their vegetable gardens and as household staff for the elite. When the Christmas season would begin, it was customary to hold novenas in the evenings, but the priests saw that the people would attend despite the day's fatigue. As a compromise, the clergy began to say Masses in the early morning while it was still dark before people went out to work the land.
Cuisine
During the Spanish Era and early American Period, the parishioners would mostly have nothing to offer during Mass except sacks of rice, fruits and vegetables and fresh eggs. The Church would share the produce with the congregation after the service. After Mass, Filipinos buy and eat holiday delicacies sold in the churchyard for breakfast. Bibingka, and puto bumbong are popular, often paired with tsokolate or salabát. Today, local delicacies are readily available in the church's premises for the parishioners. The iconic puto bumbóng, bibingka, suman and other rice pastries are cooked on the spot. Latík and yema are sweets sold to children, while biscuits like uraró, barquillos, lengua de gato and otap are also available. Kape Barako, hot tsokolate, or salabat are the main drinks, while soups such as arróz caldo and papait are also found. The rice-based foods were traditionally served to fill the stomachs of the farmers, since rice is a cheap and primary staple. The pastries were full of carbohydrates needed by colonial Filipinos for the work they undertook in the rice paddies and sugar mills.
Current Practices
The Mass usually begins at four o’clock in the morning. Pope Sixtus V ordered that Mass be heard before sunrise since it was the harvest season, and the farmers needed to be in the fields right after the celebration. White is the liturgical colour authorised solely for Masses celebrated within the context of the novena; violet is used for any other Masses said during the day, as these are still considered part of the Advent season. Filipinos celebrate this Mass with great solemnity and the Gloria is sung. Simbang Gabi is also celebrated in malls. Recently, however, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle discouraged the celebration of the Mass at malls, except when a mall has its own chapel. Evening celebrations of the Simbáng Gabi which begins at the 15th of December and ends on the 23rd,, are scheduled especially in urban areas. However, the propers and readings used for these Masses are those which are prescribed for the day. Although practiced in some parishes, "Anticipation" of the propers and readings prescribed for the next day is prohibited. A well-known folk belief among the Filipinos is that if a devotee completed all nine days of the Simbáng Gabi, a request made as part of the novena may be granted. Similar to the Spanish tradition of lighting small oil lamps on Christmas Eve, Filipinos adorn their homes with paról, which are colourful star-shaped lantern. This is believed to have originally been used by worshippers to light their way to church in the early morning, as well as to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem. Paróls continue to be popular yuletide decorations in the Philippines, as iconic and emblematic as Christmas trees are in the West. To give the faithful a chance to experience how the Simbang gabi was celebrated during Spanish times, groups which celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass also celebrate the Simbang gabi in candlelight and with locally composed centuries old music for the Mass.
