Pagbibigayan: The Filipino Spirit of Gift-Giving
Christmas, considered the happiest season, has always been celebrated by Filipinos with anticipation. It is synonymous with parties, gift-giving, and similar expressions of gratitude for all the blessings received. Giving or sharing reflects on the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity who came to the world to save humanity from sin.
Gift-giving is common across cultures. What makes it uniquely Filipino is the traditional values behind it. βππ’π¨π£πͺπ£πͺπ¨π’πΊπ’π―β (sharing or giving) is one of the Filipino core values that is directly linked to βπ±π’π¬πͺπ¬πͺπ±π’π¨π¬π’π±πΈπ’β (sharing of oneself or connecting oneβs self to others), emphasizing the importance of human connectivity in Filipino consciousness. It is a language of love among family and friends, wherein a gift symbolizes a part of oneself being given to loved ones.
This tradition is practiced during important life events such as weddings or birthdays, especially during the holiday season. At Filipino Christmas gatherings, it is customary to exchange gifts. Each gift is stacked and numbered, and guests claim the gifts based on the number they won in a “π±π’ππ’π£πΆπ―πΆπ΅π’π―” (raffle). βMonito, Monitaβ is the Philippine version of Kris Kringle or Secret Santa, wherein gifts provided are based on a given theme. Weeks before Christmas, participants are individually asked to pick the person they will be gifting from the palabunutan of code names. The identity of the Monito or Monita will only be revealed during the party. βAguinaldo,β on the other hand, is a gift being given to another person. This is a common practiceβbut not necessarily exclusiveβbetween a godparent and a godchild.
Filipino generosity is evident in the gift-giving tradition, bringing satisfaction and happiness to the giver and the recipient. Whatβs the most significant gift have you received? Feel free to share yours in the comments section below.