In the Philippines, the festive season kicks off earlier than you might expect, with Christmas decorating traditions beginning well before the usual December start. Here's a look at why and how Filipinos get into the holiday spirit months ahead.
1. Ber-Months Signal the Start
Once the calendar flips to September, Filipinos start to notice the air turning cooler (even in tropical climates, this is metaphorical) and the “ber” months begin. This is the official, unofficial start to the Christmas season. The word “Ber” is a suffix common to the names of these months: September, October, November, and December. Here’s how it unfolds:
- By the first of September, malls and stores deck their halls with festive decorations.
- Parols or Christmas lanterns are hung outside homes and in communities.
- Musical carols fill the air, transitioning from “Happy Ber” messages to traditional Christmas tunes.
2. The National Phenomenon of Christmas Carols
If you think October is too early for carols, think again. Here’s how this starts:
- Radio stations begin playing Christmas music.
- Local communities organize “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Masses) to kick off caroling season.
3. Christmas Parades and Lanterns
Lanterns or “parols” are not just decorations; they are pieces of art and symbols of Filipino ingenuity and devotion. Here are some highlights:
- The “Giant Lantern Festival” in San Fernando, Pampanga, a competition where huge, electronically operated lanterns compete in beauty and complexity.
- Local neighborhoods start their “Paskuhan” or Christmas street lighting and decorating competitions.
4. Setting Up the Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree has become a central part of Filipino holiday decor, often set up:
- During the first week of September or even earlier.
- Tree lighting ceremonies are common, with some regions opting for community-wide events.
🎄 Note: Filipino Christmas trees are unique, often featuring locally sourced ornaments like star lanterns or miniature parols.
5. Early Festive Planning
Filipinos plan Christmas celebrations well in advance:
- Family gatherings, the Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast), and media noche (New Year’s Eve feast) are organized early.
- The exchange of “Misa de Gallo” mass schedules and plans for attending novena masses begin around October.
As the holiday season approaches, decorations become even more elaborate, with homes adorned with:
| Type of Decoration | Use and Significance |
|---|---|
| Belén | Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus, often handcrafted. |
| Parols | Star-shaped lanterns that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. |
| Putolipo | Christmas village or winter scenes, despite the tropical climate. |
| Christmas Lights | Used to outline homes, trees, and streets for a magical effect. |
With all these traditions and early decorations, Filipino Christmas becomes a season of unparalleled joy and community spirit. It's not just about starting early; it's about extending the joy, sharing it with others, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
The Filipino Christmas spirit is truly unique, with traditions that start early and run deep. The country's decorations, celebrations, and religious observances make it one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, bringing communities together in a celebration of faith, family, and festivity. It’s a time when the streets are as adorned as the hearts of Filipinos, filled with love, sharing, and the warmth of the Christmas season.
Why do Filipinos start Christmas celebrations in September?
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Filipinos start their Christmas celebrations in September because it marks the beginning of the “Ber” months, which herald the festive season. Culturally, this early start is an expression of the prolonged joy of Christmas.
What is the significance of the parol or Christmas lantern?
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The parol represents the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Wise Men to the newborn Jesus. In the Philippines, it symbolizes the arrival of Christmas, lighting up homes and streets as a beacon of hope and celebration.
How are Filipino Christmas decorations unique?
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Filipino decorations have a strong focus on religious symbols like the Belén (Nativity scene), parols, and other handcrafts that showcase local artistry. Despite the tropical climate, there’s also an endearing tradition of winter scenes in the “Putolipo”.
