Filipino Simbang Gabi Masses more rooted in the US
In the nine days before Christmas, the predominantly Catholic Philippines begins its traditional novena of daily dawn Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary prior to the birth of her son Jesus Christ.
Closer to home in the United States, the Masses, called “Simbang Gabi” or “Night Mass,” are mostly on an evening anticipatory schedule. Filipino-Americans have brought the tradition to their adopted homeland and added some multicultural flair to their celebrations.
Dioceses around the country typically hold evening Masses from Dec. 16 through Dec. 24, with churches decorated with “parols” or colorful thin paper lanterns in the shape of a star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.