Misa de Gallo, a tradition in the Philippines
By Marc • Dec 20th, 2005 • Category: Catholic stuff, The Philippines, the ChurchMISA DE GALLO or the nine-day Simbang Gabi (dawn Mass) is an occasion for Filipinos to strengthen their spirituality and bond as family and to enjoy the scents, sights, sounds and taste of Christmas.
In northern and Central Luzon, various traditions, including a nine-day novena, accompany the celebration of the Simbang Gabi.
I’ve heard a lot about this from Suzette. She says grandma goes to the Masses all nine mornings every year when her health permits. It sounds like a wonderful tradition. They have so many of them in the Philippines. It makes us Americans seem kind of boring. The article goes on to say that the tradition was introduced in the Spanish era. I am wondering if this is a Spanish tradition. Do they have it Mexico, South America or Spain? If anyone knows, please leave a comment. I’d love hear stories about this too.
[Luzon folk keep alive Misa de Gallo traditions - INQ7.net]
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Marc is a Catholic technology geek living in Tennessee. He blogs at Wild Tangents and is the host of the Catholic Vocations Podcast.
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Hello. The Misa de Gallo was introduced by the Spanish friars in the Philippines sometime in the late 1500-1600’s. At that time , the farmers were unable to come to Mass because they have to toil in the fields in the morning before the sun was up. In order for them to come to church and attend Mass, the Friars had set up the dawn Mass for them. A lot of variations and reasons had evolved from this tradition, but the Filipinos continued practicing it. For the current times, the Filipinos practice the 9-day novena of Masses to welcome the coming of Jesus, and to get away from the commercialism of the holy day.
I hope that helps you a bit.
Thanks for info Josie. That’s interesting.