"9 mornings"

Nine mornings in English, Misa de Gallo in Spanish ~ is a Filipino Christmas tradition also known as "Simbang Gabi".  Churches conduct masses at 4:00 in the morning to be completed for 9 days that'll start on the 16th of December until the midnight of December 24th.

THE CHURCH

This was  introduced by the Spanish Friars to Farmers and  said to allow them to hear the mass before going to the fields early in the morning. The church bells start ringing as early as three o' clock to wake people up so they can get ready for the four o'clock mass. This welcomes faithful church goers to the Simbang Gabi mass.

During the occasion, churches are decorated with Christmas lights and lanterns to welcome all who'll be hearing the mass. Another Filipino Christmas symbol you will see inside the Churches during the nine mornings is the Belen. It's tableau depicting the Birth of Christ. Derived from the Spanish name for Bethlehem. It depicts the infant Jesus in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals, and is surmounted by an angel, the Star or both.

THE FOOD

Besides the celebration of the mass, a lot of people are also looking forward to the cool breeze of December and the traditional local delicacies found right outside the Churches. Shortly after the mass, food stalls offering local delicacy are visible right outside the church awaits the church goers.   Favorites that are served hot are such bibingka (rice cake), puto (steamed rice cakes), puto bungbong, puto maya, suman sa latik and usually served with hot cocoa, tea or coffee. 

Bibingka

Puto

Puto bungbong

Puto Maya

THE WISH

We (Filipinos) believed that once completed the nine mornings will entitle you to a one special wish. Unfortunately, there's no scientific basis to which statement but many are hopeful for it to come true. Let's just say that it's true, well you can't just complete the 9 masses just like that, one must prepare for the coming of Christ and to help them grasp the true meaning of the season.

**photos above aren't mine unless stated