Probably most of you as you receive this post, you are already experiencing the first of September while me here in the Philippines are starting to live our 2nd of September. It has been trending now-a-days to see Jose Mari Chan when the "Ber" months arrive. Why? Because he becomes a Public Icon of Bringing the Christmas Spirit to the Masses through his songs specially this one.
https://youtu.be/910mGNUZGmA?si=BMjIQhoHdK_ouHCc
And it becomes a Custom of the Filipino People during the 80's and beyond to adorn our house with Christmas Decors. That is why the Philippines was known to be the Country to celebrate longest Christmas Holiday that start from September 1 and will last until February 1. But due to economic condition now-a-days, this custom and tradition is not being practiced today but people take opportunity to ask alms in public places due to the Christmas Spirit as they say. Though some people who did not adorn their houses with Christmas Decor still was not able to escape the Spirit and they need to spend money in giving gifts and alms. And to some people they use this opportunity to earn more by raising some pesos to their merchandize to become expensive and blame it to the Holiday seasons. Well, im just wondering if you who are in the other part of the world, do observe the same that Christmas starts on the first of September? Well these Customs and Traditions are for the Colonized Filipino who embrace Christianity.
But What if the Philippines was not Colonized and embrace Christianity, what do we Celebrate then during these season?
Well, that is a nice question but since the question pertains to the religious practices of our precolonial ancestors we will refer that answer to this question on to the Religious Practices of our Ancestors before Colonization.
Since Christianity in the Philippines was introduced in the Philippines by our Colonizer on March 31, 1521 by holding a Mass celebrated by Friar Pedro De Valderama that took place in Southern Leyte, Philippines. And according to Antonio Pigafetta, the first locals that befriended Ferdinand Magellan were Raja Kolambu and Raja Saigu of Butuan. Since these people were Raja which means an Indian King or Prince, the religious practices on that part of the Philippines were Hindu/Buddhist which came on the 7th Century during the Reign of Maharaja Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa which is a Buddhist.
I search common Holidays that Buddhist Celebrates during the month of December and they are the following:
December 8 - Budhi Day or the Day when Siddharta Guatama reached enlightenment.
December 26- Unduvap Poya or Sanghamitta Day- which is a Theravada Buddhist Holiday as it marks the date that Sanghamitta Maha Theri, daughter of King Ashoka of India, arrived in Sri Langka to spread Buddhism. This day also honors woman of the faith. Sanghamitta brought with her the Dhamma (Buddhist Teachings) and began the Bhikkuni Order in the Country. She also brought a branch of the Buddha's Bo Tree. Planted at Anuradhapura in 245 BC, it is believed to be the world's oldest authenticated tree today.
If you will notice, Fiesta in the Philippines will be marked with Banderitas adorned in the Street where people will dance and celebrate. Though this Banderitas were Originally known as Prayer Flags. This practices originates in Tibet to represent Peace and Compassion associated in Buddhist Practices.
Now we have learned the Buddhist influence and December celebration, let us look now to the Hindu Holidays that our precolonial ancestors do observed in the land. Let us be reminded that Hinduism arrived in the Philippines together with Buddhism during the reign of Srvijaya empire.
December 5-Kalabhairav Jayanti which is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav which is the fearsome form of Lord Shiva.
December 9- Utpanna Ekadashi which is a Hindu festival that celebrate Goddess Ekadashi who was born out of Lord Vishnu on Utpanna Ekadashi day to annihilate Demon Mur who intended to kill sleeping Lord Visnu. Goddess Ekadashi is considered one of the Shaktis of Lord Vishnu and hence has the protective powers of Lord Vishnu. Those devotees who want to observe yearly fasting can begin Ekadashi fasting from Utpanna Ekadashi.
Read more at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/87982908.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
There numerous festivities that Hindu Filipino could celebrate on the month of December which i found this link beneficial to know.
But whatever Celebrations our precolonial ancestors observed that time, what I notice is that our Ancestors follow the Cycle of the Sun, Star and moons that connects to their agricultural activities that sustain our life.