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  • Writer's pictureOikonomos Nexus
    • Dec 24, 2021
    • 3 min read

“Namamasko po Ninang”: Aguinaldo Culture in the Philippines

The time is finally ripe, and the cold weather brought tidings of the Season of Christmas, the season of giving and reminiscing the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They are imbued with red and green colors from houses up to the establishments bringing out their best Christmas decorations while celebrating different traditions considering the happy holidays. Aside from all the Christmas lights, Parols, Belen, Simbang Gabi, and Noche Buenas with Fruit Salads, Aguinaldo is another Filipino tradition wherein every Filipino child or adult yearns to receive in this season of giving. The practice of giving Aguinaldo is deeply rooted during the Spanish era, and the word Aguinaldo comes directly translated to present or bonus. Usually, aguinaldos are given towards carolers singing Christmas songs and to little kids handed out gifts by their aunts. How did the Filipinos pick up this tradition from the Spaniards, and how did it become a popular tradition here in the country.


In theory, there are 4 possibilities on how the Spaniards had the inkling about aguinaldos and how we adapted to this tradition. First is Pagan Traditions, this pertains to our ancestors worshiping gods when famine and strife come especially during winter where snow and calamities fall. This tradition wherein leaders of the pagan tribe would offer gifts to their gods up to their servants which might have been the start of the giving of aguinaldos adapted from Paganism, transitioned to Christianism in the early times. Second among the possibilities lie within the 3 Kings found in the Bible, wherein these 3 Kings bear gifts to the newly born Jesus. The thought that these gifts symbolize that the birth of Christ marks as a gift from God to the people. This explains why during Christmas, giving gifts to Jesus as He was a gift to us is a commemoration of our salvation is indeed a joyous moment. Thirdly, St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop in Asia Minor, was a generous and pious man and often gave people gifts and food.


According to some accounts, St. Nicholas was allegedly seen would throw bags filled with gifts on top of chimneys which credited him the title of modern-day Santa Claus. This selfless act of giving of St. Nicholas inspired gift-giving from people who know its tale and might be the causality of gift-giving or aguinaldos to some. Fourth is the evolution of gifts, and this pertains to every community bearing their traditions from hanging socks on the chimney to holding facilities up to the Christmas carols. During the 10th century, this has become the norm of giving people things from homemade things but later revolutionized since toys, foods, furniture, etc., can be bought almost anywhere. Even with the threat of COVID-19, the light of gift-giving still stands since it symbolizes the love and appreciation we have for our friends and family.


It is not plausible to know how the Spaniards gave these aguinaldos since there are infinite possibilities for giving gifts. These gifts and traditions are just a way of showing love to the people around us such as friends and family in this holy season of giving. Caring for each other is one of the best Aguinaldo that one can have in this time of recession. With the alert level, 2 quarantine restrictions are loosened, caroling and some Christmas activities are allowed. Christmas might not be the best as it is now with the pandemic, but we can bless each other with hope and love in this season of giving. I hope we can all receive the gifts we want but still cherish the people who remember us this Christmas, happy holidays.


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Written by: Leo Llanita

Layout and Design by: Adrian Nabua


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