Christmas season begins in September in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the traditional pre-Christmas period known as the “ber months” begins on September 1. In Manila, stores are already selling Christmas trees, decorations and festive lanterns, while major shopping centers are putting up Christmas displays. The name of the period comes from the English names of September, October, November and December.
As Taipei Times reports, one Christmas goods store in the capital began filling its shelves as early as July 31. Shoppers are choosing artificial Christmas trees, ornaments, tinsel, plastic reindeer, nativity scenes and festive lanterns. Manila real estate agent Kathleen Santidad said she started buying decorations in advance to avoid crowds and calmly choose the items she needed. Her budget was 10,000 Philippine pesos, or about US$160.
The season after the rains
Mark Godwin Villarreal, a sociologist at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, noted that the Christmas countdown is a sign of a better period for Filipinos after the rainy season, which is often accompanied by destructive typhoons and floods. According to him, the festive season creates a sense of continuity and stability despite economic, political and personal difficulties.
Villarreal explained that September is usually devoted to decorating homes. In October, people begin setting aside money for gifts, food for gatherings with friends and relatives, as well as for the important midnight meal on Christmas Eve. More than 100,000 Filipino labor migrants working abroad usually rush home for the holiday.
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Parol lanterns and commerce
The long festive season increases visitor traffic and sales at major shopping centers. SM Supermalls, which has 90 shopping centers, began installing Christmas decorations in August. Christian Matay, a representative of the chain, said that the early start gives shoppers more time to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Traditional star-shaped parol lanterns are made in Pampanga province north of Manila and are considered an essential Christmas decoration in Filipino homes. Craftswoman Angelica David said that floodwater entered her showroom, so she had to clean up instead of working. At the same time, she noted that the lanterns themselves are waterproof.
Christmas decorations in the Philippines are taken down on January 6, the day when the country commemorates the Magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus. School district head Ricky Angeles said that he leaves a lantern in the window of his home in Cabanatuan and lights in the garden throughout the year.
