The longest Christmas holiday in the world is in the Philippines without snow! -Why is that?

In 1521, the Portuguese navigator Magellan introduced Catholicism to the Philippines, and Christmas has since become an important holiday for Filipinos.

The Philippines is one of only two Catholic countries in Asia, and about 85% of its citizens believe in Catholicism. Every year, preparations start about 4 months in advance before Christmas. Although there is no snow here, it has the longest Christmas season in the world.

Christmas is celebrated on September 1st every year, and it does not end until the first week of January of the following year. Filipinos call September to December Ber months(Ber month), because they will enjoy Christmas carnival in these 4 months. The English names of these 4 months end with Ber (September,October,November,December).

Why Celebrate 4 Months

One of the reasons why Filipinos value Christmas is related to religion. The Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world. Indian media The Bharat Express News quoted data from the Stanford University School of Medicine in the United States on December 21, saying that 92% Filipinos are Christians, and more than 80% of Filipino residents claim to be Roman Catholics. A survey by the local Social Weather Stations in 2020 showed that about 88% Filipinos said they were very or moderately religious. This pious attitude makes them willing to spend more time to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

How to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines

01, decorate the house

As the golden autumn comes in September, our lovely Filipino colleagues and friends began to decorate their houses with colorful Christmas decorations, including residential areas and shopping malls. The Christmas atmosphere is already full!

02, play Christmas songs

From September 1st, you can see information and decorations related to Christmas in the streets, streets, TV broadcasts and other occasions in the Philippines, on any social platform. For example, in shopping malls, Christmas decorations will be set up, and Christmas-related music will be played in the background music during shopping. However, their most common and classic Christmas song "Christmas in Our Hearts" was actually sung by a Chinese singer, who is IOSE MARI CHAN.

03. Christmas Lantern

Influenced by American culture, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, reindeer and snow have become the main holiday decorations in Philippine houses and places. Still, traditional Filipino decor stands out throughout the festival. Parol is the most popular and symbolic traditional Christmas decoration in the Philippines.

This is a five-pointed star lantern made of bamboo sticks and colored paper, usually with two hanging tails. These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem, which is the guide of the three wise men to the manger where the baby Jesus is.

04. Christmas carols

Christmas carols are equally popular as part of the country's Christmas celebrations. Children or adults in the country will form groups, carry musical instruments, including guitars, tambourines, etc., visit houses and sing Christmas songs for house owners. After the singing, the owner of the house usually distributes coins or gifts to the carols

05, 9th Mass

As a predominantly Catholic country, one of the most important Christmas traditions of Filipinos is "Simbang Gabi". People will get up early to attend a series of nine masses, which usually start at 4 a.m., start on 16 December and end on Christmas Eve. Many Filipinos believe that once nine masses are completed, their wishes will come true.

06. Christmas Party

In the Philippines, Christmas parties have become part of their celebration of Christmas. Filipinos usually celebrate Christmas parties the week before Christmas. These happy social gatherings not only have various interesting activities, but also delicious food and drinks..

OK ~ the above is some sharing about Philippine Christmas. if you know more ways to celebrate or more interesting things about Philippine Christmas, you can write to us privately the day after tomorrow and tell us oh ~