Aguinaldo: more than just the first President
As the most predominantly Christian in the entirety of the Asian continent, the Philippines is among the few that celebrate Christmas reverently. Adding to this is the fact that we have spent a good chuck of the twentieth century under the direct control of the United States. Moreover, our connection with China and their culture surpasses even that of the Spanish and the Americans combined as they have been directly trading and influencing our ancestors since before Magellan came across our archipelago. The result is that our traditions are a mish mash of various traditions and practices.
Aguinaldo (alternatively spelled as aginaldo), refers to gifts that are handed out during Christmas Day by ninongs and ninangs (godfathers and godmothers) to their inaanak (godchildren).
Heard repeatedly during the Christmas season (particularly so as Christmas eve draws near), the term is believed to have originated from Filipino workers during the country’s Spanish occupation period. The extra pay that would be given out by wealthy employers to their workers (whether it’s out of generosity or in the spirit of the holidays) used to be referred to as “Aguinaldo”.
A popular carol in the country (often sung by groups of children out caroling from house to house) is the classic Namamasko (although more Filipinos may know of it as “sa may Bahay ang Aming Bati”). The famous song is about how children visit their godparents during Christmas Day to receive their Aguinaldo.
Sa maybahay ang aming bati?
‘Merry Christmas’ na maluwalhati
?Ang pag-ibig ‘pag siyang naghari?
Araw-araw ay magiging Paskong lagi
Ang sanhi po ng pagparito?
Hihingi po ng aginaldo?
Kung sakaling kami’y perhuwisyo
?Pasensya na kayo’t kami’y namamasko.
(approximate English translation)
The householder do we greet
A glorious ‘Merry Christmas’
Should love ever reign over all
Then every day shall be Christmas
The purpose for this visit
Is to ask for our presents
Should we be too much of a bother
Please excuse our soliciting (for Christmas)
The gifts can be any number of things but can usually be categorized in two or three types. The usual Aguinaldo are in the form of clothes or toys. More recently, with the advancement of mobile technology, gadgets have been entered in to the mix.
The safest go-to Aguinaldo though for most ninongs and ninangs are in the form of cash. Whether it’s placed inside a regular envelope or the traditional Chinese âng-pau (red envelope), most people consider giving cash more preferable as the practicality of allowing children to choose what they want to get for their present makes a bit more sense.
Regardless of their preference over which type of gift to give, Aguinaldos from godparents are an integral part of celebrating the Yuletide season in the Philippines. Despite difficult economic times, it is important culturally to maintain the observance of our traditions especially so for the benefit of the children.
But what about you, godparent readers? Are you the more traditional type? Do you prefer to give gifts you’ve chosen to your godchildren? Or choose the convenience of cash?
And for the many inaanaks out there, which would you rather receive? A more personalized gift? Or plain cash you can use to buy specific items you want?