Compoi Finals

8/2/2019 Compoi Finals

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ALL ABOUT ALL ABOUT

CHRISTMASCHRISTMAS



y Christmas or Christmas Day is an annualcommemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ,celebrated generally on December 25 as areligious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world. A feast central tothe Christian liturgical year, it closes theAdvent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas is a civil holiday inmany of the world's nations, is celebrated byan increasing number of non-Christians, and isan integral part of the Christmas and holidayseason.



y The precise day of Jesus· birth, whichhistorians place between 7 and 2 BC, isunknown. In the early-to-mid 4thcentury, the Western Christian Churchfirst placed Christmas on December 25,a date later adopted also in the East.Theories advanced to explain thatchoice include that it falls exactly nine

months after the Christian celebrationof the conception of Jesus, or that itwas selected to coincide with either thedate of the Roman winter solstice or of some ancient winter festival.



y The original date of the celebration in Eastern Christianity

was January 6, in connection with Epiphany, and that is

still the date of the celebration for the Armenian Apostolic

Church and in Armenia, where it is a public holiday. As of

2011, there is a difference of 13 days between the Juliancalendar and the more generally used Gregorian

calendar. Those who use the Julian calendar or its

equivalents thus celebrate December 25 and January 6

on what for the majority of people is January 7 and

January 19. For this reason, Ethiopia celebratesChristmas, both as a Christian feast and as a public

holiday on what in the Gregorian calendar is January 7.



y Many of the popular celebratory customs

associated in various countries with Christmas

have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins.

Popular modern customs of the holiday include

gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards,church celebrations, a special meal, and the

display of various decorations; including

Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe,

nativity scenes, and holly.



y In addition, several figures, known as SaintNicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus,among other names, are associated with bringing

gifts to children during the Christmas season.Because gift-giving and many other aspects of theChristmas festival involve heightened economicactivity among both Christians and non-Christians,the holiday has become a significant event and akey sales period for retailers and businesses. Theeconomic impact of Christmas is a factor that hasgrown steadily over the past few centuries in manyregions of the world.



EtymologyEtymology

The word Christmas originated as a

compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is

derived from the Middle English Christemasse

and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. "Cristes" is from Greek

Christos and "mæsse" is from Latin

missa (the holy mass).



CelebrationCelebration

y Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festivaland public holiday in countries around theworld, including many whose populations aremostly non-Christian. In some non-Christian

countries, periods of former colonial ruleintroduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); inothers, Christian minorities or foreign culturalinfluences have led populations to observe theholiday. Countries such as Japan and Korea,

where Christmas is popular despite there beingonly a small number of Christians, haveadopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations andChristmas trees.



Date of celebrationDate of celebration

y For centuries, Christian writers accepted thatChristmas was the actual date on which Jesus wasborn. John Chrysostom preached a sermon inAntioch c. 386 which established the date of

Christmas as December 25 on the Julian calendarsince the conception of Jesus (Luke 1:26) hadbeen announced during the sixth month of Elisabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist (Luke1:10-13) as dated from the duties Zachariasperformed on the Day of Atonement during theseventh month of the Hebrew calendar Ethanimor Tishri (Lev. 16:29, 1 Kings 8:2) which falls inSeptember²October.[



y In the early 18th century, scholars began proposingalternative explanations. Isaac Newton argued that thedate of Christmas was selected to correspond withthe winter solstice, which the Romans called brumaand celebrated on December 25. In 1743, GermanProtestant Paul Ernst Jablonski argued Christmas was

placed on December 25 to correspond with theRoman solar holiday Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and wastherefore a "paganization" that debased the truechurch. In 1889, Louis Duchesne proposed that thedate of Christmas was calculated as nine months afterthe Annunciation, the traditional date of the

conception of Jesus, which itself was based on atraditional belief that he was conceived and crucifiedon the same date, 15 Nisan.



y In the early 4th century, the church calendar containedChristmas on December 25 and other holidays placed on

solar dates: "It is cosmic symbolism...which inspired theChurch leadership in Rome to elect the winter solstice,December 25, as the birthday of Christ, and the summer solstice as that of John the Baptist, supplemented by theequinoxes as their respective dates of conception. Whilethey were aware that pagans called this day the 'birthday'

of Sol Invictus, this did not concern them and it did not play any role in their choice of date for Christmas,"according to modern scholar S.E. Hijmans.

y However, today, whether or not the birth date of Jesus ison December 25 is not considered to be an important issue

among mainstream Christian denominations; rather,celebrating the coming of God into the world in the formof man to atone for the sins of humanity is considered to be the primary meaning of Christmas.



Christmas in the PhilippinesChristmas in the Philippines

y Christmas in the Philippines, one of twopredominantly Catholic countries in Asia (theother one being East Timor), is one of the biggestholidays in the archipelago. Plenty of Filipino

Customs andT

raditions make the ChristmasSeason in the Philippines an exciting andchallenging affair. The country has earned thedistinction of celebrating the world's longestChristmas season, with Christmas carols heard asearly as September and the season lasting up untilEpiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on

January 9 or the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebúheld every third Sunday of January.

y



ActivitiesActivities

y There are various ethnic groups in the

Philippines with different Christmas

traditions.The following illustrates

common activities for celebratingChristmas in the Philippines.



Christmas partiesChristmas parties

y In urban areas, especially in Metro Manila,many offices organize Christmas parties,which are usually held during the second

week of December, or right before schoolsand universities go on holiday. Commonactivities include Monito/ Monita or KrisKringle, song and dance numbers, a skit orplay, and parlor games. Food is providedeither through potluck , or via a pool of contributions to buy food.Some havefireworks display.



MisaMisa de Gallo/de Gallo/SimbangSimbang GabiGabi

y

Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in bythe nine-day dawn and night masses that start on December 16.Known as the Misa de Gallo ("Rooster's Mass") in Spanish and inFilipino as Simbang Gabi, or "Night Mass", this novena of Massesis an important Filipino Christmas tradition.

y These nine dawn Masses are also considered as a Novena by the

Catholic and Aglipayan faithful. This refers to the practise of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtainspecial graces.

y In some parishes, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as threeo'clock in the morning and another one at eight o' clock in theevening. Attendance at the nine Masses is meant to show the

churchgoer's devotion and faith to God as well as to heightenanticipation for the Nativity of Jesus. A popular belief is thatupon the devotee's completion of the nine Masses, a specialwish made by him/her will be granted by God.



y After hearing Mass, Filipino families partake of traditionalFilipino holiday fare sold outside the church, either within thechurch precincts or during breakfast at home. Vendors offer awealth of native delicacies, including bibingka (rice flour andegg-based cake, cooked using coal burners above and under);putò bumbóng (a purple, sticky rice delicacy steamed inbamboo tubes, with brown sugar and shredded driedcoconut meat served as condiments); salabát (hot ginger tea);or tsokoláte (thick hot cocoa). These are the typical breakfasttreats after Simbang Gabi. In some Aglipayan churches, thecongregation is invited after Mass to partake of the "paínit"(after-Mass snacks of delicacies with coffee or cocoa) at the

house of the sponsor of the Mass.y In recent times, some Evangelical Christians and other

independent denominations have adopted this practise byholding similar early morning services.



Christmas EveChristmas Eve

y

For Filipinos, Christmas Eve("Bisperas ng Pasko") onDecember 24 is celebratedwith the Midnight Mass, andimmediately after, the much-anticipated Noche Buena ² thetraditional Christmas Eve feast.

Family members dine togetherat around midnight ontraditional Noche Buena fare,which includes: queso de bola(Spanish: "ball of cheese"; this isactually edam cheese), tsokoláte(a hot chocolate drink), pasta,

fruit salad, and hamón(Christmas ham). Some familieswould also open presents atthis time.



PanunulúyanPanunulúyan

y In different provinces and schools, the journey of Joseph and the pregnant Blessed Virgin Mary in search of lodging is re-enacted.The pageant, traditionally called the " Panunulúyan"," Pananawágan", or " Pananapátan", is modelled after the Spanish

Las Posadas.

y The Panunulúyan is performed after dark, with the actors portraying Joseph and the Virgin Mary going to pre-designated

houses. They chant a traditional song that is meant to rouse theowner of the house and to request for lodging. The "owner/s" (alsoactors) then cruelly turn away the Holy Family, sometimes also insong, reasoning that their house is already filled with other guests.Finally, Joseph and Mary make their way to the parish churchwhere a replica of the stable has been set up. The birth of Jesus iscelebrated at midnight with the Misa de Gallo.

y

This is one of the activities that people enjoy, not only the children, but also the adults that view the show. it is really a worthwhiletradition.



Christmas DayChristmas Day

y Christmas Day in The Philippines is primarilya family affair. The Misa de Aguinaldo iscelebrated on December 25 and is usuallyattended by the whole family. In the Roman

Catholic and Philippine IndependentChurches, it is the main means of celebrating

Jesus Christ's birth.y The Misa de Aguinaldo is often celebrated

between 10 p.m and 12 midnight., a schedulepreferred by many Filipinos who stay up lateon Christmas Eve for the night-longcelebration of the Noche Buena.



y Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visitmembers of the extended family, notably theelders in order to pay their respects. This customof giving respect has been an age-old tradition in

the Philippines called "Pagmamáno"; this is done bybringing the elder's hand to one's forehead, whilesaying Máno Pô. The elder then blesses the personwho has paid them respect. " Aguinaldo", or money

in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills isgiven after the Pagmamano, mostly to youngerchildren. llA Christmas Lunch usually follows afterthe "Pagmamano



y The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of thefamily. Wealthy families tend to prepare grand and gloriousfeasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechonand other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose tocook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the familyis settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done.Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to theirgodchildren.

y When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take partin family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols.Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.Then, most of the children open red envelopes just like thechinese tradition. In these envelopes children receive moneyfrom their grandmother and/or grandfather.



NiñosNiños InocentesInocentes

y Niños Inocentes is commemorated on December28 as Holy Innocents' Day or Childermas in othercountries. The innocents referred to are thechildren who were massacred by order of Herod,

who was seeking the death of the newbornMessiah. Filipinos celebrate the occasion doingpranks to one another, similar to April Fool's Day,and readily admits "Na-Niños Inocentes ka." oncecalled out. One of the most widely done sinisterpranks on this day is to borrow money withoutthe intention of paying back. Victims are usuallyhelpless in getting remuneration from theoffender, and are instead forewarned not to lendmoney on this day.



New Year's EveNew Year's Eve

y On December 31, New Year's Eve ("Bisperas ng Bagong Taon"), Filipino families gather for the Media Noche or midnight meal ² a feast that isalso supposed to symbolize their hopes for a

prosperous New Year. In spite of the yearly banon firecrackers, many Filipinos in the Philippinesstill see these as the traditional means to greetthe New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate thecoming of the New Year but are also cast outmalevolent spirits. Safer methods of merrymakinginclude banging on pots and pans and blowing oncar horns.



y Folk beliefs also include encouragingchildren to jump at the stroke of midnightso that they would grow up tall, displaying

circular fruit and wearing clothes withdots and other circular designs tosymbolize money, eating twelve fruits at12 midnight for good luck in the twelve

months of the year, and opening windowsand doors during the first day of the NewYear to let in the good luck.



Three Kings (First Sunday of Three Kings (First Sunday of

the year)the year)

y Christmas officially ends on Epiphany, more commonlyknown as Three Kings' Day (Tres Reyes in Spanish or Tatlóng Harì in Tagalog). Three Kings was traditionallycommemorated on January 6 but is now celebrated on thefirst Sunday after the New Year. Some children leave theirshoes out, so that the Three Kings would leave behind giftslike candy or money inside.

y The season actually ends on January 11, the Feast of theBaptism of Jesus (in 2011 it falls on a Sunday, January 9, whichis the second Sunday of the month), with the final festivitiesheld on January 8 and 9 with the processions of the Black Nazarene in Manila and Cagayan de Oro. These are done inhonour of the image's 1787 transfer to its present residencein Quiapo Church.



y The holiday is sometimes extended to lastweek of January in honour of the Santo Niñoor Christ Child, whose feast falls on thethird Sunday of January. The image mostassociated with the day is the reportedlymiraculous Santo Niño de Cebú, the firstChristian image brought to the islands. In1521, Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebú andgave the image as a baptismal present toDatu Humabon and his wife when they andtheir subjects converted to Christianity.



DecorationsDecorations

y The Filipino Christmas would not be completewithout the traditional Philippine Christmassymbols and decorations. Christmas lights arestrung about in festoons, as the tail of the Star of

Bethlehem in Belens, in shapes like stars,Christmas trees, angels, and in a large variety of other ways, going as far as draping the wholeoutside of the house in lights. Aside from Westerndecorations like Santa Claus, Christmas trees,tinsel, etc., the Philippines has its own ways of showing that it is the holidays. Instead of Christmas trees they use holly bushes



Par olPar ol

y Though not strictly a custom, every Christmas season, Filipino homes andbuildings are adorned with beautiful star lanterns, called parol (Span. farol ,meaning lantern or lamp- Merriam Webster - English English- SpanishDictionary ). The earliest parols were traditionally made from simplematerials like bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper (known as "papel deHapon") or crepe paper, and a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination;although the present day parol can take many different shapes and forms.

The most base form of the lantern is a 5-pointed star with two "tails" atthe lower two tips. Other variations are 4, 8, 10 pointed stars with therarer 6, 16 and so on pointed stars. The parol is also traditionally made of lacquered paper and bamboo, but others are made of cellophane, plastic,rope, capiz shell and a wide variety of materials. Making parols is a folk craft, and most Filipino kids have tried their hand at making a parol at onetime or another, maybe as a school project or otherwise. The most basicparol can be easily constructed with just ten bamboo sticks, paper, andglue. These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi,also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings (Tatlong Hari in Tagalog).Parols are to Filipinos as Christmas trees are to Westerners- an iconic andbeloved symbol of the holiday.



BelenBelen

y Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belen -- a creche ortableau representing the Nativity scene. Derived from the Spanish namefor the town of Bethlehem, Belén, it depicts the infant Jesus Christ in themanger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, theirflock, the Magi and some stable animals and angels.Belens can be seen inhomes, churches, schools and even office buildings; the ones on officebuildings can be extravagant, using different materials for the figures and

using Christmas lights, parol s, and painted background scenery. A notableoutdoor belen in Metro Manila is the one that used to be at the CODbuilding in Cubao, Quezon City. In 2003, the belen was transferred to theGreenhills Shopping Center in San Juan when the COD building closeddown.This belen is a lights and sounds presentation, the story beingnarrated over speakers set up and most probably using automatons tomake the figures move up and down, or turn, etc. Each year, the companyowning it changes the theme, with variations such as a fairground story,and Santa Claus' journey. On the other hand,Tarlac, known as the "BelenCapital of the Philippines" holds the annual "Belenismo saTarlac". Itis a belen making contest which is participated by establishments andresidents inTarlac. Giant versions of the belen with different themes aredisplayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the rest of the Christmas season.



CarolingCaroling

y In the Philippines, children in small groups go fromhouse to house singing Christmas carols, which theycalled pangangaroling. Makeshift instruments includetambourines made with tansans (aluminum bottle

caps) strung on a piece of wire. With the traditionalchant of "Namamasko po!", these carolers waitexpectantly for the homeowners to reward themwith coins. Afterward, the carolers thank the

generous homeowners by singing "Thank you, thankyou, ang babait ninyo (you are so kind), thank you!"

y An example of a traditional Filipino carol is a part of series known as "Maligayang Pasko", which wascommonly called as "Sa maybahay ang aming bati":



Sir WilliamSir William

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