Philippine History and Christmas Traditions

History

• The Philippines was a Spanish colony from 1521 to 1898.
• The country was named after King Philip II of Spain.
• The Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule began in 1896, led by Emilio Aguinaldo.
• The United States took control of the Philippines from Spain in 1898, following the Spanish-American War.
• The country gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.

Christmas

• Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the Philippines, a predominantly Christian country.
• The Christmas season in the Philippines is one of the longest in the world, starting as early as September and lasting until January.
• Filipinos celebrate Christmas with festivities such as Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) and Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner).
• Parols (star-shaped lanterns) are a traditional Christmas decoration in the Philippines, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
• Unique Christmas traditions in the Philippines include the "Belen" (a reenactment of the Nativity scene) and "Pastores" (a Christmas play).

Explore the history of the Philippines from Spanish colonization to independence, and learn about unique Christmas traditions in the country, including Simbang Gabi and Noche Buena.