The “Ber Months” in the Philippines – A Season Like No Other
When September rolls in, a unique transformation takes place in the Philippines. While most countries consider the “holiday season” to begin in late November, Filipinos kick off their Christmas celebrations as early as September 1st, the start of what they affectionately call the “Ber Months.” Comprising September, October, November, and December, this season isn’t just about early holiday cheer, it’s a deeply rooted cultural phenomenon that blends religion, family traditions, economic trends, and pure joy.
What Are the “Ber Months”? đś
The term “Ber Months” refers to the last four months of the yearâall ending in “-ber.” For Filipinos, these months signal the start of the Christmas season, which many claim is the longest Christmas celebration in the world.
It’s a season filled with:
- Christmas carols on the radio and in malls
- Jose Mari Chanâs iconic songs playing everywhere
- The early emergence of Christmas trees, lights, and lanterns (parols)
- Gift-shopping and holiday bazaars
- Family gatherings and festive feasts
Cultural Significance đ
1. Religious Roots
The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic, and Christmas is one of the most important religious celebrations. The early anticipation of the birth of Christ makes it spiritually significant. This includes traditions such as:
- Simbang Gabi (Night Masses): A 9-day series of dawn Masses starting December 16, culminating in Christmas Eve Mass.
- Advent: The formal beginning of the liturgical season prepares hearts for the birth of Christ.
2. Family-Centered Traditions
Filipino culture is built around close family ties, and the Ber Months give families a chance to reunite. OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) often come home during this period, and families plan get-togethers, reunions, and Noche Buena, the traditional Christmas Eve feast.
The Sights and Sounds of the Season đĄ
Jose Mari Chan: The Soundtrack of the Ber Months
No Ber Month is complete without the warm, nostalgic tunes of Jose Mari Chan, particularly his hit âChristmas in Our Hearts.â He has become a beloved symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit, and memes of him âemergingâ in September flood social media every year.
Decorations
Filipinos donât hold back on decorations. From malls to homes and public parks, youâll see:
- Parols â colorful, star-shaped lanterns symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem
- Gigantic Christmas trees
- Nativity scenes (Belen)
- Dancing lights displays in cities like San Fernando, Pampanga
Economic Impact đď¸
1. Retail Boom
The Ber Months are a gold mine for businesses. Retail sales spike due to:
- Early Christmas shopping
- “13th Month Pay” (a government-mandated bonus received by most employees in December)
- Mall-wide sales and bazaars
- Increased remittances from OFWs
2. Tourism Surge
Many balikbayans (Filipinos from abroad) return home during the Ber Months, boosting domestic tourism and hospitality sectors. Popular spots like Tagaytay, Baguio, and beach destinations become crowded with both local and international tourists.
Food and Festivities đ˝ď¸
The Ber Months culminate in a series of feasts and potlucks. Some must-try seasonal dishes include:
- Bibingka and Puto Bumbong â rice cakes sold outside churches after Simbang Gabi
- Lechon â whole roasted pig, a centerpiece in many gatherings
- HamĂłn and queso de bola â staples during Noche Buena
- Fruit salad, pancit, lumpia, and many more holiday classics
The Spirit of Giving đ
The Ber Months are also a time for charity and gift-giving. Schools, offices, and communities organize gift exchanges (Monito Monita), outreach programs, and donations to less fortunate families. This reflects the Filipino value of “bayanihan”âhelping others in times of need.
The Grand Finale: New Year’s Celebrations đ
Though December is peak season, the festivities donât stop at Christmas. The New Year is equally explosiveâliterally. Fireworks light up the sky as families prepare Media Noche (midnight meal), light sparklers, bang pots and pans, and fill tables with 12 round fruits (for prosperity), sticky rice (to keep the family close), and lots of noise to ward off evil spirits.
đľđ Why the Ber Months Matter So Much
The Ber Months are not just about decorations and carols. They represent:
- Hope for better days ahead
- Nostalgia for simpler times
- Gratitude for blessings received
- Faith in divine providence
- Togetherness in a society deeply rooted in family and community
In a country often challenged by natural disasters, economic hardships, and political issues, the Ber Months offer a collective sense of joy and resilience that few nations can match.
Ber Months
Whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Philippines for the first time or a returning Filipino reconnecting with your roots, the Ber Months will embrace you with warmth, light, laughter, and love. In the Philippines, Christmas isnât just a holidayâitâs a way of life, and it starts as early as the first chill of September.
So when you hear Jose Mari Chan on the radio, see parols hanging from lamp posts, and smell bibingka cooking on the streetâknow that you’re not just witnessing a tradition.
You’re experiencing the heart of the Filipino spirit.
