Simbang Gabi, Tagalog for “night Mass,” is the Filipino Catholic tradition of nine Masses celebrated from December 16 to December 24, before dawn or in the evening, as a novena in preparation for Christmas. It is one of the most cherished customs in the Philippines, and Filipino communities around the world, including many parishes in the United States, keep it every year. Below is what Simbang Gabi is, its history, the traditions that go with it, a prayer for each day, and answers to common questions.
What is Simbang Gabi?
Simbang Gabi is a novena of Masses: one Mass each day for nine days, ending with the Christmas Eve Mass. In the Philippines the Masses are traditionally held around 4 or 5 in the morning, so they are also called Misa de Gallo, “the Mass of the rooster,” or Misa de Aguinaldo, “the gift Mass,” offered in thanksgiving and in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she awaited the birth of Jesus. Today many parishes also offer anticipated evening Masses at 8 or 9 p.m. the night before.
The nine days honor Mary’s nine months of expecting the Savior and join the Church’s final week of Advent preparation, from December 17 the time of the O Antiphons.
History
Simbang Gabi goes back to the Spanish colonial period. Because farmers began work in the fields at sunrise, friars celebrated Mass before dawn in the days before Christmas so that the people could attend. The custom grew into a beloved national tradition that families keep even when they live far from home.
Traditions
- Parol: star-shaped lanterns, made of bamboo and paper or capiz shells, light homes and streets, recalling the star of Bethlehem.
- Food after Mass: vendors outside the church sell bibingka (rice cakes baked in banana leaves) and puto bumbong (purple sticky rice), with salabat (ginger tea) or hot chocolate.
- Completing all nine Masses: many people make a special intention for the novena. A popular belief says that completing all nine brings a wish; the Church encourages the faithful to see the novena as a gift of love and preparation for Christ, offered with trust rather than as a guarantee.
- Choirs and carols: Filipino Christmas carols are sung before and after Mass.
A prayer for each day of Simbang Gabi
Written for this page:
Lord Jesus, we rise early (we come together tonight) to wait for you
with Mary your Mother, who carried you with love.
Bless our families here and far away,
our homeland and every land where we live.
Make our hearts ready for your coming,
and let us be a light like the star of Bethlehem. Amen.
Simbang Gabi in the United States
Filipino-American communities have brought Simbang Gabi to parishes and dioceses across the United States, usually as evening Masses at 7 or 8 p.m. followed by a gathering in the parish hall. Check your diocese’s website in early December for a schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates of Simbang Gabi?
December 16 to December 24. In the anticipated form, the first Mass is on the evening of December 15 and the last on the evening of December 23, followed by Christmas Eve.
Do the Simbang Gabi Masses count as Christmas Mass?
No. The Christmas Mass is celebrated on Christmas Eve night or Christmas Day. Simbang Gabi Masses are Advent weekday Masses (or votive Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as permitted). See Christmas Mass.
Is Simbang Gabi the same as Misa de Gallo?
They are often used as the same thing. Strictly, Misa de Gallo can also mean the Midnight Mass of Christmas in Spanish-speaking countries.
More for Advent and Christmas
- Silent Night
- Las Posadas
- The O Antiphons
- Santo Niño novena
- St. Andrew Christmas novena
- Christmas Mass
- Advent
Texts and sources
- The description and prayer were written for this page.