Simbang Gabi or dawn novena mass

SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass. 

Known as the Misa de Gallo ("Rooster's Mass"), Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

Going to Mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion and faith to God as well as to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of Jesus. Popular belief, however, is that the completion of the novena will merit God's granting to the devotee a special wish made by him/her.Many sacrifice to complete the nine-day Masses at dawn because of a “panata,” a promise for a personal petition like making the right decision which man to marry, pass a board exam or secure a US visa.

Families, friends and even individuals find its way going to the nearest church to attend the nine-day novena. Shortly after the misa de gallo, families gather in their homes to celebrate Noche Buena and feasted on various delicacies like queso de bola, bibingka, puto bungbong, or a drink of salabat or hot chocolate.

Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass. During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.

Over the years, Filipinos communities have made some changes in the celebration of Simbang Gabi, some urban parishes now celebrates Misa de Gallo around 8- 9 in the evening in order to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules.

 Regretfully, some people go to the Dawn Masses after a night out, drunk and noisy, dragged off to church by the barkada only to end up snoring in the pews, in which case it’s Simbang Tulog. It’s been observed, too, that the Misa de Gallo has become a trysting occasion for lovers because at dawn it’s dark and cool; in which case, it’s Simbang Ligawan.