Republic of the Philippines - Stamps & Postal History

RP Issues of 2011

 

HOMEPAGE

 

 

 

 

 

2011, November 25.  Christmas Season "Pasko"

Litho Offset.  APO Productions Unit.  Perf. 13 1/4 x 13

Se-tenant Blocks of Four, Sheets of 40  (10 x 4)

          

 

Se-tenant Blocks of Four     (26,000)

   7p   Christmas Bells

   7p   Christmas Flowers

   7p   Toys and Gifts

   7p   Christmas Lantern "Parol"

 

 

First Day Covers:  Manila

 


 

CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE PHILIPPINES

Christmas is the longest and most celebrated holiday in the Philippines.  On December 16, the festivities start with a daily pre-dawn Mass, called Simbang Gabi or Misas de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses), and culminate in the Misa de Gallo on Christmas eve.   The Misas de Aguinaldo originated in Mexico and were held at four in the morning to accommodate the farmers who had to be in the fields by dawn during harvest season. 

At Christmastime, homes all over the Philippines are decorated with some parol fashioned from bamboo sticks and cellophane.  These lanterns represent the star of Bethlehem, the guiding light that led the three wise men to the infant Child.  This emblem of Philippine Christmas embodies the spirit of hospitality that prevails during the season.

Christmas in the Philippines is the day for presents for visits to godparents, friends and relatives.  In general, members of the family exchange gifts following a traditional Christmas eve dinner (called noche buena). Godchildren visit their godparents on Christmas day to ask for their blessings and, in turn, godparents traditionally hand over gifts to their godchildren.  It is also during Christmas day that big family reunions are held with a feast of good food, singing, an dancing.  

(http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Tagalog_Default_files/Philippine_Culture/paskong_pilipino.htm)


 

  • Christmas

  • Religious

 

 

Articles by Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak

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Issues of 2011