Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Religious Tradition PDF

Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Volume 8, No. 2, May 2020 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Asia Paci...

Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Volume 8, No. 2, May 2020 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Asia Pacific Journal of Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Multidisciplinary Research Religious Tradition Vol. 8 No.2, 35-40 May 2020 Part II 1 2 P-ISSN 2350-7756 Antonio Noel V. Carbayas , Fides del Castillo E-ISSN 2350-8442 De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines 1 2 www.apjmr.com [email protected], [email protected] ASEAN Citation Index Date Received: August 29, 2019; Date Revised: April 19, 2020 Abstract –This paper explores the unique Filipino way of celebrating Christmas. It investigates the syncretism of Filipino culture and religious tradition. In this contemporary world, such traditions and practices have been continuously commemorated traditionally. However, with modernism and consumerism, such practices became more complex. To examine the Christmas phenomenon in the Philippines, this study presents descriptive research of Catholic Filipinos which indicates Christmas has a deeper meaning. It supersedes religious expressions of gratitude. Rather, it is a time sought after by every Filipino far and near to gather-once families to re-connect and deepen family relations. This implies that the yearly Filipino Christmas celebration is more than a religious practice but is part of the culture and tradition that each and every Filipino household and communities live with. Keywords –Culture, Misa de Gallo/Simbang Gabi, Tradition, Inculturation, Popular Religiosity INTRODUCTION and in the process use the functional substitution Religiosity plays a very important role in the life of technique. Arbuckle describes this process of a Catholic Filipino. Its reasons can be varied as substitution into which gradually the symbols adopted simply a practice passed on by their parents or could a new meaning, which in effect the natives accepted have been influenced by other people significant in this new understanding together with the new rite; this their lives, or developed out of a certain need and change took time for the locals to fully accept and circumstances especially in these contemporary times. adopt. Gradually Christianity is seen incorporating Elesterio asserts that devotional practices such as itself and becomes part of the indigenous culture of novenas, pilgrimages, processions and fiestas, the natives as it creates an inseparable relationship. employed in ceremonies and rites manifest a unique As a consequence becoming a Christian implied an Filipino religiosity done as a community or uprooting and integration to and from the indigenous individually a reflection of deep faith as a Church. way of life. This religiosity and culture become part of the whole Popular religiosity such as customs, traditions, and cultural system and have been carried upon to rituals in Filipino culture is inconceivable without it. whatever they do or to wherever they go. Its religious practices relate much to a variety of Popular as they are practiced religiously by the religious spirituality radiating in the process of its community and has even passed the tests of time and Filipino spirituality. This fusion of religious traditions trends. Lovett defining “popular religiosity” to and culture is what characterizes the unique Filipino indicate the faith-expressed in common religious Christmas celebration. Pasko sa Pilipinas or customs that are historically concrete, social and Christmas in the Philippines is a gospel-based cultural, whose categories of understanding and religious and culturally rooted expression of the expressions are heavily shaped by its institutional Filipinos sense of respect and gratitude to the Child reality. Of the few colonizers, the Spaniards thrust to Jesus who is not consigned to the past. To this child, Christianize the natives at first met disapproval. But John Paul II asserts as the whole human history stands the friars adopted what the native’s belief system has about illuminating time and future by his presence. 35 P-ISSN 2350-7756 | E-ISSN 2350-8442 | www.apjmr.com Special Issue: Lumina Foundation for Integral Human Development  Carbayas & del Castillo, Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Religious Tradition _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This important event that Filipinos value today will be influence from various contexts as see fit into the constructed and reconstructed in a dialectic way where contemporary lifestyle of the locality. The religious the gospel and culture are shared, passed on, created and cultural aspects are without question uncontested, and recreated. for without which the practice becomes foreign and less of a Filipino tradition. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY Roman Catholicism comprises the majority of the This paper explores the Christmas popular population. Though other minorities do not agree religious practices of Catholic Filipinos in the with its seemingly pagan ritual of procession and Philippines. To examine the phenomenon of the pageantry employed in its festivities, other religious merging of folk religious beliefs and practices of the denominations would be driven about to its long, locals and that of the Roman Catholic Church lavish and animated activities. Culture and religiosity devotion to the Birth of the Child Jesus in the gospel. are a strong basis for a tradition to sustain, Tisdell To understand how it makes sense and its integration assert, common cultural history weaves together one’s to their cultural-religious ways and belief system early religious exercise both spiritually and culturally making Christianity become part of its Filipino with its ethnicity that has become one’s formation to indigenous reality and the challenge it poses in this what one has become. contemporary context. With the coming of the Spaniards, one tradition that has greatly influenced various Filipino indigenous METHODOLOGY practices and beliefs is that of Christianity. Natives The study uses Fr. Louis Savary’s four mind in different parts of the country have been levels operating in the integration of values as Christianized, and somehow those other different guidelines for evaluating Filipino culture, religious minority groups have gradually adapted and integrated tradition, and practices. It is believed that the the Christian beliefs and practices into their emergence of these in the community have influenced indigenous culture. Nevertheless, the natives’ cultural the people that have made them enrich their practices are believed to have existed for hundreds of communal values through such practices. years even before the earlier colonizers came. Fabella Fr. Savary highlights these raw materials of human even asserts that common folks have kept these life such as experience, understanding, judgment, and indigenous beliefs and practices even after centuries decisionthat is understood by giving meaning, label, of evangelization, valued the gospel and their culture and interpretation to it. Which after, while professing their Christian faith. This is shown in understanding such experience, its dimensions of truth their native practices that have a pagan background is explored that must eventually be translated into that has somehow been interpreted with a action (judgment). The decision comes in which Christianized tone [9, 10]. involves a choice between opposites, an option among The Roman Catholic liturgies have developed and several alternatives, or it indicates a return to earlier with Vatican II’s adaptation of inculturation, the mind levels. Indigenous traditions are sustain but with Filipino unique religious expressions were slowly a new interpretation and understanding and a fusion of incorporated in its rituals and devotions. This the Christian tradition revealed in the sacred blending process of two different religious values and Scriptures and Church teaching. beliefs are conceived out of this integration. The Pontifical Council of Culture recalls that from the Historical Development beginning it can be seen as the way Filipino Catholics The Philippines, as a predominantly Christian express their faith and its relationship to God through country, is known for its long and extravagant their indigenous way. Significant to note, of a small celebrations. Its gatherings and activities: public and monument that exists that believed to be the site that religious holidays including weddings, baptisms, and marks the first Christmas mass held in the Philippines funeral and town fiestas are reasons for thanksgiving two hundred years ago before Magellan wandered in and cannot be without a touch of culture and folk the archipelago. Morrow wrote of a Franciscan religiosity. More locally, every town has its own priest named Odoric Mattiussi of Pordenone who was unique and distinguishable stamp of traditions and believed to be the one who celebrated the first “Misa practices that have been passed on from one de Gallo” in the shore of Bolinao, Pangasinan. generation to another with an upgrade and tone of Though the event has not been proven historically yet 36 P-ISSN 2350-7756 | E-ISSN 2350-8442 | www.apjmr.com Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, May, 2020 Part II  Carbayas & del Castillo, Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Religious Tradition _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ the marking opens possibilities for further exploration. share the bounteous blessings at meal-time, a re- Nevertheless, the Simbang Gabior Misa de Gallo was enactment of Jesus’ agape-meal with his apostles and a practical compromise in the early Spanish colonial disciples. It is a family meal-celebration as an period for Filipino farmers who began working before extended cell of the Church where the Eucharist sunrise to avoid the scorching noonday heat in the community-meal calls for every member to share at fields. A nine-day novena masses in honor of the the table the blessings of God. And it would not be “Inang Maria” or Mother Mary highlighting her complete without the “Lechon” roasted pork that contribution in the salvation history and emphasizes family wound themselves raise for a year as intended important Marian virtues and characters. Earlier in for Christmas. Other delicacies made from the rice Catholic history, the referred ritual of 'panata’ or vow flour, such as native sweets are influenced by the is a re-enactment of the crucifixion which in the trading Chinese are believed to bind the family process has been accommodated to making sacrifices together and the relationships intact and solid. for a certain need: such as good harvest, the well- With the rise of commercialism, the celebration of being of members of families, protection, unity, and Christmas became even more festive and exaggerated. blessing. Alejo shares that such attitude The native Filipino tradition became widely combined characterizes Filipino popular religiosity that devotees with western and other influences. It now becomes are oriented to have novenas; a continuous nine weeks largely a secular holiday with the element of noise and or nine days of devotion as a form of sacrifice to consumerism. Of overly commercialized spending of achieve a spiritual goal. Ultimately, this cherished Christmas-related purchases, extravagant gift-giving custom became a distinct cultural feature and a spree, relentless and excessive eating and drinking far symbol of spiritual devotion all year round. exceedingly different from what Christmas should be, of simplicity and silence. Nevertheless, these yearly Christmas in the Contemporary Context celebration epitomizes how Christmastime has Christmas in the Philippines is known in the world become Filipinized. Christmas highlight a year-round as the longest time celebrated. The anticipation celebration where family and school batch reunion is begins during September and to last after the Feast of held, connection and long-time acquaintances are the Santo Nino. But liturgically, Christmas is ushered recalled and established, grandparents anticipate and in by the Sundays of Advent, observed as a period of long after for them to see grandchildren and other hopeful waiting and preparation both for the birth of relatives meet and greet. This experiences Tisdell Jesus at Christmas and His return. Practices asserts is given new meaning after a pause and is associated with it include the Advent Wreath as restructured in some way through the power of candles are lighted each Sunday symbolizing the imagination, thereby creating a new wholeness or a faithful waiting for Christ’s coming, through map of a new reality. This new wholeness is often repentance and joy of heart. The nine-day dawn manifested symbolically in many ways, such as in masses are a novena in honor of the Blessed Virgin dreams, images, or created new insights. It may Mary. The highlight of the celebration is on the eve be ritualized or experienced in the context of a of Christmas where the Nativity scene or the “belen” religious tradition that is embedded both in its is completed with the Child Jesus at birth. Christian liturgy and practice through ritual Liturgically, the official observance by the Roman celebration employed in its folk religiosity. Where Catholic Church is from the beginning of the nine-day symbols have been used as an effective expression of “misa de gallo” or “simbang gabi” on December 16 the locals’ beliefs and values and these have been towards the Feast of the Epiphany, the first Sunday of translated into rituals and so become an effective the year. means of communicating and relating between and During the “Noche buena” meal-gathering after among communities, extended into the larger society the “pahalik sa batang Hesus,” children express their and with God. Ritual behavior in this sense serves as respect to older members of the family with a “mano its identity. John Paul II addressing the Filipino po” to which the latter offers to them their people on February 17, 1981, builds up by motivating “aguinaldo” or “pamasko” in the form of monetary, the people to carry out the task of enriching and toys or goodies, a delight to children who anticipate valuing its heritage as he spoke: every year during Christmas this tradition of gift- There is a clear national identity that is giving. This is the biggest gathering where families unmistakably and truly Christian and created 37 P-ISSN 2350-7756 | E-ISSN 2350-8442 | www.apjmr.com Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, May, 2020 Part II  Carbayas & del Castillo, Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Religious Tradition _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ an obligation and confers upon the nation a We may say that personality, viewed within the specific mission… not only to preserve its framework of values, is someone open to Christian heritage but to bear witness to the values, enjoys and affirms them in himself and values of Christian culture before the whole others, and realizes them in his existence world. The Filipino people will always draw according to the hierarchy which is inherent in the strength and inspiration they need to carry the values themselves. Moreover, he radiates out this task from their noble heritage – a these values to others, by their very fulfillment heritage not only of the Christian faith but also in his own life. of the rich human and cultural values that are their own. A tradition, Postma asserts, cannot continue unless “it has a positive value”. This seems to true Ritual practices help people carry their common with the Filipino Christmas tradition. Experience is identity and values. Such practices are commonly the initial criterion in Louis Savary's four mind levels identified by symbols used to express and in the integration of values. By faithfully communicate meaning, beliefs, and values. In her performing the rituals, festivals, and celebrations both Theories of Performance, Elizabeth Bell in the traditional way and with a modern twist highlighted the components of culture: such as combined which manifests that religious and cultural what people think, what they do, and the material practices are made to fit into a given perspective that products they produce. And what summarizes its has great impact and connection. The integration of properties. By symbolically transmitting cross- this customs and practices in the Filipino way of life generationallythrough sharing, learning, adapting to has been understood and interpreted and translated the physical world, and integrating it. The on- into action (judgment) as expressions of faith as going acceptance and practice of the contemporary "panata,’ also family gathers at table-meal through a trends and influences as a way of reinterpretation “salo-salo” that for a time have been observed, attached to such religious tradition and practice would anticipated and have become an obligation of all. inform us of the life the celebration has in the life of The significance played by these sets of beliefs and the Filipinos. The life that comes from the true light practices becomes valid and accepted fully when the that carries newness and life-source. The life that is community decides these practices and is set as an symbolic of the light of Christ that Francis expression of one’s beliefs, passed on as tradition to speaks of in the opening of his encyclical Lumen members of families and communities and the next Fidei : generation coming. The light of faith: this is how the Church‟s A group of people will not maintain their tradition speaks of the great gift brought by practices nor promote them unless it suits or is useful Jesus. In John‟s Gospel, Christ says of himself: to them. The understanding and integration of these “I have come as light into the world, that positive values from the indigenous and religious whoever believes in me may not remain in practices bring to birth an inculturated custom and darkness"(John 12:46). tradition. However, this integration requires a time Saint Paul uses the same image: of consistent practice. These new sets of learned “God who said „let the light shine out of darkness,‟ values are shared and transmitted utilizing language has shone in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 4:6). and symbols and are made realized and applied and valued in real-life situations. Such, as a child learns by RESULTS AND DISCUSSION following and adapting what the parents and elders This research identifies and describes the unique say and do, one follows what is offered by one’s Filipino Christmas tradition and practices of the environment or surroundings. Magannon asserts indigenous Filipinos and those that are adapted from that “a ritual is justified for human activity if it gives various influences especially that of the colonizers. meaning, value and order to human existence and The Filipinos have integrated their cultural practices life”. A ritual is sustained and validated as a concrete with the adaptation of some of the Christian traditions response to the unique situation or context and it through their awareness, understanding, appreciation, stands as “something real” to people and community. acceptance and constant practice of their faith. Van In this way, the new values adapted could easily be Kaam writes: understood, accepted and practiced by the people 38 P-ISSN 2350-7756 | E-ISSN 2350-8442 | www.apjmr.com Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, May, 2020 Part II  Carbayas & del Castillo, Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Religious Tradition _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ themselves. renewal in its practice through inculturation. Many Filipinos give more importance to the Moreover, these sets of practices become adaptable cultural practices where they find their true group when lived and tested in time. Understanding one’s identity and their communal values. The values experience proved necessary thus, becomes a decided derived from their practices which are translations of practice or way of life. This faith-community that their knowledge and belief about Christmas is John Paul II affirms continues to accept, to rejoice associated with festivities and spirituality are believed and be animated by interpreting its faith into its own to have been directly or indirectly influenced by the with the Gospel and in communion with the universal beliefs and practices brought by the tradition they later Church. Christmas in the Philippines is rooted in acquired. These Christian traditions are adapted in the humble family of Bethlehem of which the first life based on judgment and decision.The Christmas delivers the Good News of joy and practices of the community help people affirm their gladness and hope. Amid poverty, yearly typhoons communal identity and thereby enrich more their and calamities, the Filipinos strength to sustain is family values. undeniably based on its faith in the providential Through the process of socialization and generosity and guidance of the Divine. The acculturation, these beliefs and practices are Catechism of the Catholic Church spoke of the transmitted effectively by families who build up the religious piety as it asserts: basic unit of society. It is within these settings that Essentially, the piety of the people is a life in the community begins, where sets of beliefs, storehouse of values that offers answers of behavior, attitudes, and values are introduced, Christian wisdom to the great questions of life. developed and shaped and so become an accepted It creatively combines the divine and the way of life. These strong family ties that are present human, Christ and Mary, spirit and body, in Filipino families and every aspect of community communion and institution, person and life are shared and have become common especially community, faith and homeland, intelligence that of beliefs, practices, and values. Religious and emotion. For the people, this wisdom is Filipino tradition of Christmas has been and will be a also a principle of discernment and an substantive fusion of culture and the Christian evangelical instinct through which they traditions. spontaneously sense when the Gospel is served in the Church and when it is emptied of its CONCLUSION content and stifled by other interests. Filipinos are extraordinarily religious as devotions are identifiable in its various expressions of popular REFERENCES practices of faith and culture. Family share in Elesterio, F. (1989). Pre-Magellanic Religious common some of these and are passed on to new Elements in Contemporary Filipino Culture. Manila: adaptable practices to its new breeds of millennial. De La Salle University Press, pp 3-14. Faith is manifested in every aspect of life, at every Lovett, B. (1987). Religion and Popular Religiosity in the Philippines. Inter-Religio Bulletin II, p. 25. stage of it, a fusion of religion and culture. The Arbuckle, G. 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