Christmas in The Philippine Pasko Sa Aming Bayang Pilipinas: TH TH
Christmas in The Philippine Pasko Sa Aming Bayang Pilipinas: TH TH
Christmas in The Philippine Pasko Sa Aming Bayang Pilipinas: TH TH
INTRODUCTION
II.
III.
LESSON PLAN
IV.
REFERENCES
V.
WORKSHEETS
I. Introduction
A. Grade: 6th-8th (middle school)
B. Topic: Christmas traditions and their meaning in the Philippines.
C. Scope: The module was designed to be used during one school week.
Lesson plans are for five, 40-50 minute class periods.
D. Goals:
1. General objective:
a. Students will become familiar with Christmas traditions in
the Philippines.
b. Students will understand how and why Christmas is the
most important festival in the Philippines.
2. Specific objectives:
a. Students will learn the basic geography of the Philippines.
b. Students will learn some general history of the region.
c. Students will better understand Christmas in this region by
participating in the traditions explained in lecture.
2. However, Spain is not the only country that has left a mark in the
Philippines. The Indians, Chinese, British, Americans and
Japanese have all made imprints in Philippines culture as well,
making its people and Christmas traditions diverse (World Book,
1990).
3. Christmas in the Philippines is a blend between Western and
native customs. Such contributions from the West include: Santa
Claus, Christmas trees, mailing Christmas cards and caroling.
The people however, are the strongest element of the Christmas
celebration because they remain so gracious, hospitable, devoted
to their faith, and respectful to family and friends (World Book,
1990).
C. Christmas Traditions
1. The Official Christmas Season. Officially, the Christmas season
begins on December 16th. This is when Filipinos begin attending
Misa de Gallo, which is Spanish for Mass of the Rooster.
Miso de Gallo is mass that is celebrated for 9 days until
Christmas Eve. It is at 4 each morning before sunrise. It is also
commonly called Simbang Gabi which means Night Mass in
Tagalog. Midnight Mss on Christmas Eve is called Misa de
Aguinaldo means Gift Mass, referring to the shepherds gifts
to Christ. Awaking this early every morning for Miso de Gallo is
seen as sacrifice they make for Christ. In order to awake all
those in the village, the town band may play carols an hour
before mass, the priest may walk from door to door knocking,
firecrackers may be set off, or the church may play carols on a
loud speaker system (World Book, 1990).
2. After Mass Socials. The socials after Mass held outside the
church are a great source of motivation to arise at such an early
hour. Vendors set up the cart in the churchyard and side streets
to sell breakfast delicacies to the hungry parishioners. Filipinos
look forward to talking with friends and family while the sun
rises (World Book, 1990).
3. Caroling. Although Christmas caroling was adopted from the
west, this has become a cherished tradition for Filipinos.
Starting December 16th, caroling usually lasts from 6 each night
until midnight. Children, teens and adults all participate in this
tradition, signing both native and western carols. Carolers, often
called cumbancheros, sing to raise money for charity, to receive
money or treats, or for simple enjoyment. Some caroling groups
8. Gift Giving. Produce, harvest items and baked goods are usually
the gift given to friends, neighbors and relatives in the city.
However, those city relatives usually send games or t-shirts.
Money is always welcome. Practically is kept in mind when
purchasing or making gifts. Sharing is more important than
quantity when it comes to gift giving (World Book, 1990).
a. Gift Exchanges. Filipinos participate in what the West
knows as Kris Kringles. Schoolmates, co-workers, friends
and relatives organize gift exchanges. Usually this is either
done by pooling gifts or by secretly giving your person a
weekly gift and then finally revealing yourself after you
have given the final, meaningful gift (Fortune City, 2003).
9. Christmas Day. Visiting is important on this day. Children must
visit godmothers and godfathers, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
They kiss their hands or bring their right hands to their
foreheads, a tradition which is called mano. In return, they
receive a small gift (World Book, 1990).
a. Christmas Day Food. Lechon, roasted pig, is main course
on Christmas Day. Families raise pigs just for this purpose.
A grandfather or uncle will take on the task of preparing it,
unless a professional is hired. Those who cannot afford a
pig usually have stuffed chicken or Chinese ham. Deserts
include bibingka, puto and leche flan, creamy caramel
custard (World Book, 1990).
10. The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Christmas season ends
twelve days after Christmas, January 6th, on Three Kings day.
The holiday spirit and celebration lasts until this day. Holiday
entertainment is held nation-wide, which include parol
competitions and festivals, famous belen displays, fiestas and
famous orchestras (World Book, 1990).
a. Ninos innocent. Holy Innocents Day is on December 28th.
On this day King Herod tried to kill baby Jesus by having
all children under two murdered in Bethlehem. However,
because Herod was unsuccessful in killing Jesus, this day is
one of fun in the Philippines. They use this day to play
pranks on each other. If Filipinos manages to borrow
money from friend because that person forgets what day it
is, then that money does not need to be paid back (World
Book, 1990).
Lesson Plans
A. Day One: Introduction
The first thing the teacher will do is discuss with the students what they
already know of the Philippines in general and any knowledge they have of
Christmas in Philippines. The students will write all this down on worksheets.
Once this is completed, the teacher can explain the basic geography and the
basic history of Christianity. Maps of both Southeast Asia and the Philippines
can be distribute to each student, as well as presented on overhead. It is
important to know where the Philippines are in relation to the rest of Asia and
how the country is divided geographically. The basic history of Christianity is
needed to introduce the countrys Christmas celebration. General pictures of
the Philippines can be found in the books, Cultures of the World Philippines
and The Philippines Enchantment of the World.
References
Books
Olesky, Walter. The Philippines - Enchantment of the World. New York:
Childrens Press, 2000.
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2.
Misa de Gallo:
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3.
Simbang Gabi:
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4.
Misa de Aguinaldo:
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5.
Cumbancheros:
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6.
Pastores:
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7.
Parol:
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8.
Belen:
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9.
Noche Buena:
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10.
Panunuluyan:
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11.
Lola:
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12.
Mano:
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13.
Lechon:
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14.
Media Noche:
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15.
16.
Maligayang Pasko:
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Contrast your way of celebrating Christmas or a Holiday with the way Filipinos celebrate
Christmas.
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