Filipino Advent Traditions

Simbang Gabi

Joining Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, many cultures spend the last nine days of Advent remembering the nine months Mary spent with Jesus in her womb. The practice of these early morning Masses before work began in Europe and spread as missionaries evangelized new lands. 

The traditional Spanish novena of morning Masses called “Misa de Gallo” spread to the Philippines around the time Magellan came to the islands and during the conversion of the Filipino people. This tradition was further strengthened by the German Augustinians who came later carrying their tradition of the “Rorate” candlelit Mass. Over time, in addition to morning Masses, the “Simbang Gabi” evening Masses evolved, which Filipinos celebrate around the world.

In the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Filipino Ministry holds an annual Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass in early December to prepare for the novena of Masses that begin Dec. 16.

Parol Star

The Filipino word “parol” comes from the Spanish word “farol,” which the Spanish used to describe the lanterns the Filipino people would use. While the Christmas lanterns began as a way for Catholics to get to the early morning Masses in the dark, over time these lanterns were fashioned into stars for Christmas using flexible bamboo sticks and Japanese paper called “papel de japon.”

Symbolically, the lighted star represents the Star of Bethlehem, but one can also see that the traditional parol and Simbang Gabi Masses are symbols of the faith of the Filipino people journeying with the Holy Family to Bethlehem to welcome the Light of the World.

As part of the Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass, each parish brings their parol to be blessed in anticipation of the novena. 

Find a Simbang Gabi Mass near you!