I am the Managing Editor of Manila Bay Morning Post - A Country Development Perspective. I believe that if humans focused on business and economic history, they would better understand who they are as a nation beyond the obsolescence of racism, nationalism, and boundaries that created wars and human division.
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There are a couple of possible reasons:
- Some 95% are Roman Catholics and it's deeply embedded not just in tradition but politics. During Spanish rule, the Philippines was a theocracy wherein the Church played a signifacnt role in ruling the islands, sometimes even more powerful than the governor-general himself. This was probably an overflow from Spain where the Pope is very influential over the King of Spain and who often also is the Holy Roman Emperor. This said, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines often dictated traditions, including the infamous indulgences.
- Traditionally, Christmas is celebrated December 8 (Immaculate Conception) up to Three Kings in January. The Misa de Gallo begins On December 8
- Christmas is the most colourful season in the Philippines, even surpassing Independence Day or any national heroes’ days. While Europe has become ecumenical and religiously tolerant, Philippines remain Fundamentalis Catholic, sometimes even bordering Shariah Law. You can get into trouble mocking Jesus Christ in the Philippines, not just from trial by publicity but as in the government even taking legal actions. A poor example is Luca Vega, who is now banned in many municipalities, ironically in his own country.
- The Roman Catholic Church never had an issue with Christmas celebrated as early as September. In fact, they may have even encouraged it to reinforce Roman Catholicism in the country. Since American Rule, Protestantism has been a threat in the country. De La Salle University, began by Irish-Americans, was mandated by the Pope to defend Catholicism in the country from Protestants. Ateneo de Manila and Xavier School were mandated to focus on keeping Manila High Society Catholic (because the masses will follow the ways of the elite).
- Santa Clause used to be the central figure of Philippine Christmas. During the 1990s, I remember the Roman Catholic Church's media campaign to bring back Jesus Christ as the central figure. The more prevalent Santa Clause and elves at that time were replaced by the Belen or Manger Scene. Today, Santa Clause is shill a prominent figure but Filipinos are now mostly centered on the manger scene, misa de gallo, and noche buena.
- Ber months has probably something to do with it. I have a bleak memory of childhood but I remember Christmas not beginning in September. Companies began celebrating Christmas by September, often malls and real estate developers. We can assume that the Christmas celebrated as early as September is a product of commercialization. However, the Church did not make an issue of it and may even have encouraged it.
In any case, I don't agree that Christmas is celebrated the same in the rest of the world. In America, the nation is decorative and celebrates Christmas Eve. In Australia, you barely notice Christmas with the absence of decorations and they celebrate Christmas Day instead of Christmas Eve. Australians sleep early on Chriatmas Eve and alive on Christmas Day. And fo think that Australia is Roman Catholic while America is Protestant. I am not sure anbout Europe because I have never been there but I heard they barely celebrate Christmas there too and the Churches are empty, treated only like museums. That is probanly because they bore the gruntbof the Inquisition.
