You may be wondering what the term “ber” implies. For the last quarter of the year, you might have noticed that the four months all end in ‘BER. A very interesting term that has the most magical meaning for the Filipino people.
Today we are taking a cultural shift and highlighting a magical word, called “BER”.
We are almost halfway through the very first month of the most awaited season in the Philippines. For most of us, this month makes us start to think of flannel shirts, tall boots and crunchy leaves on the way, but for many Filipinos -just like my assistant, Abby- there’s something exciting about the beginning of this month!
“Ber” months officially start on the first of September. This is also the beginning of the Christmas season in the Philippines, which is known for being the longest-running celebrations for Christmas in the whole world. In a country where family and faith are the cornerstones of society, you will never run out of things to do for the Christmas season.
Here are the things that make Filipinos excited during “Ber” months/season and Christmas day.
1. “Simbang Gabi” (Filipino for “Night Mass”). “Simbang Gabi” is a nine-day running mass starting from 16th to 24th of December and occurs at different times ranging from as early as 3:00 am to 5:00 am. 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”). It is believed that people who complete the night mass will get their wish granted.
2. Noche Buena. A simple Spanish term for “good night” is steeped in cultural and religious significance for Filipinos. This built another belief in Filipino families’ minds that “A family that eats together, stays together”. Having the Noche Buena Feast with the whole strengthens the ties and cultural tradition of the family.
3. Sing in Carol. Caroling in the Philippines begins during September. This is one of the most famous ways Merry Christmas in the Philippines is made so merry. The best of it happens on the streets, when neighborhood kids, sometimes church or school choirs, go door to door armed with various famous holiday songs in Spanish, Filipino and English language. Homeowners emerge to hand them coins, food, or other gifts in exchange – or yell out “patawad” from their windows if they have nothing to give.
4. Christmas Cities and Provinces Tours There are many wonderful spots in the country that celebrate and showcase Christmas traditions in the Philippines. You may visit the coldest city in the country that captures the heart of the people who’s in love with the concept of ‘White Christmas’ with the fake snow and other magical light shows. Your list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The Christmas Capital of the Philippines. This is where people from different parts of the country flock to get a sight of the best “Parol” (Christmas lanterns) and of course, to witness the Giant Lantern Festival also known as “Ligligan Parul”.
Celebrating the Joy, the Love, the excitement in giving and the happiness of being with our family, is the true spirit of the Christmas season. And it’s the season to remind ourselves and celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus, share the joy and make memories with one another. If all people can celebrate all these not only in Four-long months of BER, but for the whole year, we can have the most magical year ever!
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