“Holy” Literal and Etymological Meaning
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Originally written and published: 14 September 2024
Revised and posted in Catholic365: 29 December 2025
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The Filipino people celebrates the longest Christmas celebration in the world. It starts as soon as the clock chimes at 12 midnight on the 1st day of September and ends with the celebration of Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day. Some people end their Christmas celebration at the feast of the Holy Child (Sto. Niño) on the third Sunday of January. At this time, people and establishments would already play Christmas carols, greet everyone with a Merry Christmas and display Christmas decorations. Even though liturgically, the other seasons that spans in these months are still observed, this tradition and celebration of “Ber months” have numerous problems.
Firstly, it coincides with the season of Ordinary Time which spans from late May to late November or early December. This part of the liturgical year plays an important role in the calendar. This season focuses on the ministry of Jesus here on earth before he sacrificed himself on the cross. By meditating on the gospel readings of the Ordinary Time, we will be able to immerse ourselves in the teachings of our Lord. Setting the months of September, October, November, and the first half of December as the Christmas season seems that we do neglect our chance to reflect to this earthly ministry of our Lord.
Also, the season of advent is disregarded. This season is the preparation for Christmastide. This allows us to set and prepare ourselves spiritually on the celebration of the birth of our Savior. This is why the liturgical color for Advent is purple, symbolizing our penitence and preparation. However, because of the “Ber months”, this season is being taken aside as if we do not observe this season in the calendar. By observing Ber months, it implies that we do not need to prepare but celebrate the joyous Christmas with no spiritual preparation in the season of Advent.
We must also consider the Simbang Gabi or officially and liturgically called “Misas de Aguinaldo.” These nine-day votive masses are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as preparation for Christmas. Though they can be seen as joyful masses because they actually are since the Gloria is sung in these votive masses, the Simbang Gabi is still not part of Christmas. Even though these are not liturgically Advent masses, they do still coincide and celebrated in the season of Advent. Ergo, by celebrating the Ber months we are implying that the Simbang Gabi are already Christmas masses.
Finally, it does not follow the real span of Christmastide. As mentioned above, the season of Christmas does not start at Ber months nor Advent and definitely not in the Simbang Gabi. But Christmastide starts from the evening mass of 24 December into the Epiphany of the Lord in January.
To sum this all up, Ber months contradicts with the liturgical observance of the Church, and the celebration of this festivity sets aside the season of Ordinary Time and Advent as if they are not as vital part of the Christian life.
