|
 ust
what is the Philippine Christmas or, as we fondly call it,
“Paskong Pinoy”? What sets is apart from other
yuletide celebrations the world over?
Pasko, a corruption of the Spanish pascua, is
the most-awaited and the best loved fiesta amongst a
thousand others in the 7,107 islands of the Philippine
archipelago. And as it spans five months, it also boasts of
being the longest Christmas season in the world!
But what makes Pasko so “Pinoy”? Well,
think about it.
Who wakes up at
the crack of dawn, braving the morning chill, to hurry to
church for the Misa de Gallo (Mass at Cock’s Crow) for
nine consecutive mornings before Christmas Day? Who hangs
candle-lit parols, star lanterns fashioned from bamboo and
Japanese paper, at open windows? Who savors the aroma of
native bibingka (rice cakes) baking above and beneath
glowing coals, to be served with steaming salabat
(ginger tea) right after the dawn Mass? Who bakes the
meters-long native cake, sinabalu in bancas
(canoes) outdoors?
Who joins processions like the Panunuluyan,
re-enacting the plight of Mary and Joseph searching for a
room at the inn? Who kisses the back of elders’ hands,
greeting them with the lovely salutation, “Mano po,
Ninong” and “Mano po, Ninang”? Who places
in the heart of the home of the belen (crèche) with
the Holy Family surrounded by adoring shepherds, kings, and
animals?
|