J. Julius

Philippines is the only country in Asia where Christians are the majority. Catholicism came from Spain in the late 1500s and while many Filipino Christmas traditions come directly from the religious calendar and would be recognizable to all Catholics, others are home-grown.

The one thing about the Philippines is that religious holidays are taken very seriously, Christmas is one they celebrate with a lot gusto. Has well attended fiestas where family and extended family and friends tend to feast of some the best foods.


Now for decorations. One of the most common is a parol, a five-pointed star, commemorating the Star of Bethlehem which the Wise Men followed to Christ's manger, as for the influence of the United States introduced the idea of Christmas trees, but the Philippines does not have a ready supply of evergreen trees, so people who want to imitate the US tradition buy artificial trees. Just like being at home in the United States.



Being here in Philippines with my wife and her family has made me understand Filipinos and their way of life. I have been touched by the generosity of the very poor, having visited many ordinary, spartan homes of the desperately poor.

Despite all Christmas advertising, and music, Filipinos do not seem to succumb to any pressure to spend too much money over Christmas time . There is no expectation of any gift giving for the most part, and I am sure many children never get an Christmas gift at all in there lives. Yet, people make the most of Christmas in their own way, and it is an important family time. The Christianity of the Philippines is probably far stronger than any United States or other western country, so the religious significance of Christmas is still paramount to the Filipinos and their family's.

They say every thing's is late in Philippines, oh, but never Christmas!

Maligayang Pasko or (Merry Christmas)


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