Back സിംബാങ്ങ് ഗബി Malayalam Simbang Gabi NB Simbang Gabi Tagalog Simbang Gabi WAR 黎明弥撒 (菲律宾) Chinese
| Simbang Gabi | |
|---|---|
 Simbang Gabi Mass at the Saint Joseph Parish Church of Las Piñas | |
| Also called | Misa de Aguinaldo Misa de Gallo (for the last Mass observed in Simbang Gabi) |
| Observed by | Filipino Catholics |
| Liturgical color | White |
| Type | Nine-day series of Masses |
| Significance | Christmas season |
| Begins |
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| Ends |
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| First time | 1669 |
| Related to | Misa de Gallo Nochebuena Christmas |
Simbang Gabi (Tagalog: [sɪmˌbaŋ ɡɐˈbi]; Filipino for "Night Mass") is a devotional, nine-day series of Masses attended by Filipino Catholics in anticipation of Christmas. It is similar to the nine dawn Masses leading to Christmas Eve practiced in Puerto Rico called Misa de Aguinaldo. Originally intended as a practical compromise for farmers that started working in the fields before sunrise,[1] this cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.[2]
Simbang Gabi is held daily from December 16 to 24, and occurs at different times ranging from as early as 2:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.[3] Anticipated celebrations, meanwhile, are held from December 15 to 23, typically at 8:00 p.m, or as late as 11:00 p.m or at midnight. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, the service is instead called Misa de Gallo (Spanish for "Rooster's Mass").
- ^ Dy-Zulueta, Dolly (December 15, 2023). "Christmas in the Philippines: Why Simbang Gabi is an important Filipino tradition". Philstar. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ Roces, Alfredo; Roces, Grace (2009). CultureShock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (7th ed.). Tarrytown, New York: Marshall Cavendish Editions. ISBN 978-0-7614-5671-1.
- ^ Rodell, Paul A. (2002). Culture and Customs of the Philippines. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-30415-7.