Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, known simply as
Quiapo Church (Manila, Philippines)
Misa de Gallo is a Spanish phrase that literally means “Mass of the Rooster”. The first crow of the rooster during the early morning of December 16 marks the beginning of the yearly observance of the Misa de Gallo, popularly known to Filipinos as the Simbang Gabi. These masses are the most important of all Filipino Christmas traditions because they signify the coming birth of the Messiah. It is a fusion of Filipino folk rites and indigenous customs with religious devotion deeply embedded by Spanish colonizers.
These nine dawn Masses, usually starting at four o'clock in the morning, are considered a novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion to his faith and to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of the Lord. A traditional Filipino belief, however, is that those who complete the novena will have a special wish or favor granted by God.
After the mass, it is traditional for Filipinos to have a breakfast of bibingka (rice cakes), puto bumbong(purple sticky rice sprinkled with grated coconut) suman (sticky rice steamed in coconut leaves), and hot chocolate, coffee, or salabat (ginger tea). All of these delicacies can be found at makeshift kiosks found near the church.
(All pictures and images in my blog are copyrighted. Please ask permission first before reproducing in other websites or publications)
These nine dawn Masses, usually starting at four o'clock in the morning, are considered a novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion to his faith and to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of the Lord. A traditional Filipino belief, however, is that those who complete the novena will have a special wish or favor granted by God.
After the mass, it is traditional for Filipinos to have a breakfast of bibingka (rice cakes), puto bumbong(purple sticky rice sprinkled with grated coconut) suman (sticky rice steamed in coconut leaves), and hot chocolate, coffee, or salabat (ginger tea). All of these delicacies can be found at makeshift kiosks found near the church.
(All pictures and images in my blog are copyrighted. Please ask permission first before reproducing in other websites or publications)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Depicting Jesus Christ's Crucifixion
The Senyor Nazareno
The burning of candles for special wishes or prayers
Bibingka
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