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Christmas traditions (Advent calendar, Day 23)

What is the origin story of Simbang Gabi?

Simbang Gabi, which means “Night Mass” in Filipino, is a cherished Christmas tradition in the Philippines. This novena (sequence of nine) dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Eve is a unique and significant part of Filipino festive celebrations. Here’s the origin story and some interesting anecdotes about Simbang Gabi and how this tradition is used to celebrate Christmas:

“Misa de Gallo” in Manila, Philippines (Reuters)
  • Spanish influence: Simbang Gabi can trace its origins to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, which lasted for over 300 years. The tradition was introduced by Spanish friars who wanted to accommodate the agrarian schedules of Filipino farmers. The early morning Masses allowed farmers to attend before going to work in the fields.
  • Aguinaldo Mass: Simbang Gabi was initially called “Aguinaldo Masses” or “Misa de Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass) because it was traditionally held at dawn, symbolising the coming of the new day and the rooster’s crow. The custom of attending these pre-dawn Masses spread rapidly throughout the Philippines.

Interesting anecdotes about Simbang Gabi

Parish leaders with parols in church (Crosscut)
  • Nine mornings: Simbang Gabi consists of a series of nine Masses celebrated on consecutive days, usually starting on 16 December and culminating on Christmas Eve, 24 December. This nine-day novena is a significant spiritual preparation for Christmas.
  • Diverse traditions: Simbang Gabi is celebrated with regional and local variations throughout the Philippines. Each region may have its unique customs and practices associated with the Masses.
  • Filipino cuisine: One of the highlights of Simbang Gabi is the availability of Filipino delicacies and treats sold outside churches and along the streets, especially after the Masses. Vendors offer a wide variety of food, including bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong (purple rice cake), tsokolate (chocolate), and various rice and noodle dishes.
  • Community and fellowship: Simbang Gabi brings communities together. Families, friends and neighbours attend the Masses as a group, fostering a sense of togetherness and solidarity. It is also a time for social gatherings and reunions.
  • Dress code: It is customary for attendees to wear their best clothes to Simbang Gabi Masses. Many people choose to wear traditional Filipino attire, such as the barong tagalog for men and the Filipiniana dress for women.
  • Christmas music: Traditional Filipino Christmas carols, known as “Simbang Gabi” songs, are sung during the Masses. These songs add a festive and joyous atmosphere to the novena.
  • Midnight Mass: Simbang Gabi culminates with the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, known as “Misa de Gallo.” This is when Christmas officially begins in the Philippines, and it is one of the most well-attended Masses of the year.
  • Candlelit processions: In some regions, candlelit processions and parades are held after the Masses, creating a luminous and visually stunning spectacle.
  • Faith and devotion: Simbang Gabi is not only a cultural tradition but also a deeply religious and spiritual experience for Filipinos. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and strengthening one’s faith.
Traditional food at Simbang Gabi

In a nutshell

Simbang Gabi is a beautiful and spiritually enriching tradition that captures the essence of Filipino Christmas. It is a time of devotion, community, and celebration that prepares the faithful to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.

Coda

In order to capture the exuberance of Simbang Gabi in the Philippines, DALL-E 3 imagines the Yule Lads wearing traditional clothes walking in a Manila street full of street vendors selling traditional food.


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Christmas traditions (Advent calendar, Day 11)

What is the origin story of Krampus?

Krampus is a folklore character with roots in Central European and Alpine traditions, particularly in Austria, Bavaria, and other German-speaking regions. Unlike Santa Claus, who rewards good children with gifts, Krampus is a dark and sinister figure who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. Here’s the origin story and some interesting anecdotes about Krampus and how this character is used to celebrate Christmas around the world:

Celebrating St Nicholas’ Day
  • Pagan origins: Krampus’ origins can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan beliefs in the Alpine regions of Europe. In these areas, it was believed that during the winter solstice, evil spirits roamed the earth, and people performed rituals to drive them away.
  • Christian adaptation: With the spread of Christianity, many pagan traditions were incorporated into Christian holidays. Krampus became associated with St Nicholas, who rewarded good children and punished the bad. The date 6th December, known as St Nicholas Day, became the occasion when Krampus would visit homes.

Interesting anecdotes about Krampus

St Nicholas’ Day procession in Bavaria
  • Krampusnacht: On the night of 5th December, known as Krampusnacht, people in Alpine regions dress up as Krampus and roam the streets, scaring children and adults alike. In some places, parades featuring elaborate Krampus costumes are held.
  • Krampuslauf: “Krampuslauf” refers to Krampus runs or processions that take place in various Austrian and German towns. Participants dress as Krampus and roam the streets, often engaging in mock confrontations with spectators. These events have gained popularity and are now attended by tourists.
  • Krampus cards: In the early 20th century, greeting cards featuring Krampus, known as Krampuskarten, became popular in Austria and Bavaria. These cards often depicted Krampus frightening children and included humorous or rhyming verses.
  • Austrian folklore: In Austrian folklore, Krampus is sometimes accompanied by a counterpart known as “Perchten,” who are female creatures that represent the wild and untamed aspects of nature. The Perchten also participate in processions and festivities during the holiday season.
  • Modern pop culture: Krampus has made appearances in modern pop culture, including movies, television shows, and even a dedicated “Krampusnacht” event at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.
  • Krampuslauf in the United States: In recent years, Krampus-themed events and parades have gained popularity in the United States. Cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia host Krampus-themed runs and festivals.
  • Krampusnacht celebrations: Some people have embraced Krampusnacht as a playful and slightly subversive alternative to traditional Christmas celebrations. It’s a time to dress up as Krampus, indulge in dark humour, and celebrate the darker side of the holiday season.
  • Krampus’ punishments: In the legend, Krampus is often depicted carrying chains and a bundle of birch branches, which he uses to swat and whip naughty children. In some traditions, he might also stuff misbehaving children into his sack and carry them away.
Krampusnacht DC

In a nutshell

Krampus adds a unique and slightly eerie dimension to the Christmas season in certain European cultures. While he may be a fearsome character, he also serves as a reminder to children to behave and a source of entertainment for those who embrace the tradition of Krampusnacht.

Coda

In these hypothetical tableaux, DALL-E 3 images the Yule Lads taking part in a Krampusnacht procession taking place in a street in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland.