Simbang Gabi

Simbáng Gabi
Type	Novena/Mass
Classification	Roman Catholic
Other name(s)	Misa de Gallo, Rooster's Mass

Simbáng Gabi (Filipino for "Night Mass") is a devotional nine-day series of Masses practiced by Roman Catholics and Aglipayans in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is similar to the nine-day series of dawn masses leading to Christmas Eve practiced in Puerto Rico called Misa de Aguinaldo.

The Simbáng Gabi masses in the Philippines are held daily from December 16–24 and occur at different times ranging from as early as 03:00 to 05:00 PHT. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, the service is instead called Misa de Gallo (Spanish for "Rooster's Mass").

The Simbang Gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines as a practical compromise for farmers, who began work before sunrise to avoid the noonday heat out in the fields. It began in 1669. Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas more common in the rest of the Hispanic world. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.

The Philippines is an agricultural country known for its rice, coconut and sugarcane plantations. Many tenant farmers (also known as sacadas, campesinos, and casamacs) toiled all day with one break during noon when the heat would be at its peak. Losing an hour due to the unbearable temperatures, farmers worked hard and budgeted their time out of fear of the local encargado, who administered land for the Spanish feudal lord or encomendero/hacendero.

...
Wikipedia