It's fun caroling......

 Filipinos love singing. So no wonder that during the Christmas season their love for singing find a platform in Christmas caroling. Our Paskong Pinoy is not complete without the spectacle of Christmas street carolers.  Caroling is an enduring and beautiful Filipino Christmas tradition. Once the month of December comes, or sometimes even earlier, carolers will be on their feet singing carols to spread the spirit of Christmas joy through songs.

Children like to form groups and enjoy hopping from one house to another every night singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and traditional Filipino Christmas songs like Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Pasko na Naman, and Namamasko.

Filipino ingenuity comes naturally with the handmade musical instruments made from bottle tops for tambourine, or drums fashioned out from used cans or biscuit tins. The children are happy with whatever amount from the generosity of people shared with them for singing Christmas carols. Usually, they appreciate the gesture by singing.... "Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo, thank you!"

Even Church organizations, clubs, groups of friends and other adults raise funds through their yearly caroling. Most of these strolling minstrels are well equipped with their musical instruments like guitar, drums and tambourine. They also practice their songs weeks ahead and they are ready to sing with all their heart to spread the joy and warmth of the Yuletide Season. Some of these groups give a letter in advance to inform the date and time of caroling, as well as the beneficiaries of their funds. 

SOME TRIVIA:

Some say there is no definitive history behind Christmas caroling. Where they originated, who wrote them, and how they evolved in unclear. Caroling is an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation. 

Nonetheless, some historical accounts claimed caroling is rooted in feudal societies, where poor citizens "sing" in exchange for food or drink for supper.  Another theory is that carolers traveled door-to-door because they were originally allowed to perform in churches. But these are but stories and they don't have clear factual basis.

But regardless of its actual origin, our Paskong Pinoy is definitely bleak without the usual Christmas carolers, like during the pandemic. So let us be generous and welcome our Christmas carolers from the generosity of our hearts in the spirit of the Christmas Season. For "God so loves the world that He gave His only begotten Son." (Jn 3:16) This is the meaning and essence of Christmas for us who believe.

We wish you a Happy and Beautiful Christmas caroling. Namamasko po!

Ad Jesum per Mariam!