Dawn Mass or Misa de Gallo

Once again, the Christian world starts holding the traditional novena to the Blessed Mother this 16th for the greatest feast  of the year --- the Nativity of Christ, the redeemer.

Among the countries colonized by Spain,  I believe  that the Philippines has a unique nine-day  dawn Mass or Misa de Gallo devotion  rich in history that started 70 years after the Christianization of this country.

The webpage of the Archdiocese of Manila fails to mention why the dawn Mass is called Misa de Gallo but the term was simply coined when the gallo (rooster in Spanish) starts it's daily ritual to crow at dawn.

Before global warming was still to be discovered, December dawns were very cold and leaving the house early without a jacket was unbearable.  Low temperature, however, does not cool down the unfailing spirit in waking up early from an enjoyable sleep and rushing to cavernous Spanish-built churches before their seating capacity is filled if not yet filled like a can of sardines.

It is a kind of nine day sacrifice braving the cold and when back home, a mother tends the needs of the kids while the father prepares for work.  Up to these days in some parts of the country' after the Mass in the church yard, traditional ethnic Filipino delicacies are available or back at home; native pastries, a native or rice coffee or a cocoa are ready for breakfast to warm up.

Where Filipinos are in diaspora, the traditional Misa de Gallo and same food recipes are exported and it warms the heart to see other faithful "different from us" participating and enjoying the unique Filipino spirit of Christmas.  In the United States where time is fast, the Mass, not by choice but out necessity, is in the evening instead of dawn.

Time has drastically changed from the Spanish times when devotees used torch or oil lamp to find their way to the church and when strict and deep piety was practiced.  Parents then were so stern and "cruel" in giving discipline to their children while the country was young under the rule of a world power.

Today, neon or laser lights are everywhere in a country that is slowly getting Westernized (to the abhorrence of  the nationalists) in almost everything.  Yet, when this festive part of the year comes, Filipinos trace their religious past by participating  in the Misa de Gallo which is a part of its history and culture.

As an ad says:

Let the spirit of Christmas ring.  Welcome Christ into your hearts!

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Photo Credit:
http://kwentongpinas.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/simbang-gabi2.gif