Holidays with Ilocanos

 

A Parol is a star-shaped ornament that is an iconic Christmas symbol in the Philippines. Some are fancy with lights and some are just made of paper or plastic. It represents the star of Bethlehem which helped guide the Three Kings to the Nativity of Jesus.

The presence of a Parol outside someone's window or porch is a telltale sign of Filipino culture. Although it is only November, it's common to see their Christmas trees and lights already up. In the Philippines, Christmas festivities begin as soon as the "BER" months start. The hundred-day countdown to Christmas Day commences on September 16th, and Filipinos like to celebrate early.

Gathering with loved ones holds a crucial place in Filipino culture, and they need no specific occasion to host a party. Of course, the holiday season provides even more reasons to celebrate. Christmas festivities in the Philippines are not limited to just families; the entire community comes together to celebrate. This year's exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic may affect the celebrations, but Filipinos will undoubtedly find ways to enjoy each other's company and share their blessings.

To begin a new lesson, it's fitting to focus on the holidays. We've previously published an article on holiday celebrations, which you can read HERE.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS!

Since it is just around the corner, let's start with Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving - Naragsak/Naimbag nga Panagyaman

                                (Nah-rug-sak / Nah-eem-bug ngah pa-nahg-ya-mahn)

***Tagalog: Maligayang Pasasalamat 

Now for the rest of the holidays, here you go!

Merry Christmas - Naimbag a Paskua

                             (Nah-rug-sak / Nah-eem-bug ah Pas-kwa)

           You (Singular)  Kenka (Ken-yah-yoh)

          You (Plural)     Kendakayo (Ken-duh-kah-yoh) 

                                Kenyayo (ken-yah-yoh)

          Y'all / You all    Kendakayo Amin (ken-duh-kah-yoh Ah-meen)  

 

                                Kenyayo Amin (ken-ya-yo Ah-meen)

            

***Tagalog: Maligayang Pasko

Happy New Year -Naragsak a baro nga tawen

                                (Nah-rug-sak ah ba-ro ngah tah-wen)

                            You (Singular)   Kenka (Ken-yah-yoh)

                     You (Plural)      Kendakayo (Ken-duh-kah-yoh) 

                                            Kenyayo (ken-yah-yoh)

            Y'all / You all    Kendakayo Amin (ken-duh-kah-yoh Ah-meen)  

 

                                   Kenyayo Amin (ken-ya-yo Ah-meen)

***Manigong Bagong Taon or Maligayang Bagong Taon

Here's a list of words that will be helpful along the way:

 

 Here are some phrases that you definitely need to remember:

Ready to rock people's socks off? Check out these mind-blowing lessons from our blog below! Or, if you're a curious cat, take a peek at our older posts for even more goodies. And, if you're not already part of our Facebook family, come join us for some daily laughs and fun!

GREETINGS PART 1

GREETINGS PART 2

COMMON PHRASES

Our apologies for the lack of recent uploads to this page. We will be taking action to rectify this by releasing more content in the near future. Additionally, we plan to revisit and update some of our prior postings in response to the feedback we have received.

Until Next Time,

Siak ni Gigi

NOTES: These lessons are designed with the English Speakers in mind. The pronunciation is spelled out to emphasize sounds of the English language and alphabet to help the person to say it correctly in sounds that they are familiar with. 

For Tagalog/Filipino readers seeking to utilize our lessons, read the words in your native tongue and do not follow the suggested pronunciation.