Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi: Hispanic and Filipino communities prepare for Christmas with novenas (Photos)
On Christmas Eve, two major novenas celebrated in the Archdiocese of Newark come to a close. This year, a number of Hispanic and Filipino parishes celebrated the novenas of Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi, both of which traditionally run from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 (although celebrations can begin on the evening of Dec. 15.)
Las Posadas is a Hispanic tradition dating back to Mexico in 1586, deriving from the Spanish word posada, or lodging, referring to the inn from the Nativity story. The novena follows Mary and Joseph as they visit a different house each night and are allowed to enter, often praying before a Nativity scene.
The procession is followed by music, with the entire procession singing posadas. The faithful then finish each night with Christmas carols, piñatas, and a feast.
Simbang Gabi is a Filipino tradition that originated from the Missa Aurea (golden Mass or Angel’s Mass) practiced by the Roman Catholic Church. The tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars at the start of the Catholic evangelization of the Philippines, specifically to allow farmers to hear Mass before going to the fields in the morning.
The faithful hold a solemn Mass, with churches often decorated with paról, a colorful star-shaped lantern believed to have been initially used by worshippers to light their way to church in the early morning. After the Mass, parishioners then gather together for a feast.
Take a look at how some of the parishes around the Archdiocese of Newark celebrated these two novenas.
Las Posadas
Simbang Gabi
Featured image: St. Peter Church in Belliville celebrates Las Posadas (left); Immaculate Conception Church in Mahwah celebrates Simbang Gabi (right).
