Christmas in the Philippines: Beyond Popular Religious Tradition

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