Misa de Gallo

Day 1 today.

Different terms used to call the 9 novena masses before Christmas.

• Simbang gabi - because it happens during night time
• Misa de Gallo -  gallo means rooster so this means mass of the rooster. Most roosters crow at the crack of dawn, the same time when the mass happens, hence the term.
• Misa de Aguinaldo - aguinaldo means gift and the gift of the season is Jesus Christ. 

The novena masses are in preparation  for the celebration of Jesus' birthday.

There is no exact record in history as to when this started but it is believed that it started in the 18th century.

Good to know.