Salabat
Do you know Philippians is an only Asian country which is predominantly Christian?
Festivity in Philippians starts nine days before Christmas and continues for three whole week, starting from Dec 16 and ending with the feast of the Epiphany, on the first Sunday of the January.
Display of Christmas lights all around and nativity scene sets the Christmas scene. Many families have the tradition of displaying the lighted star called’ Parole’, on window and outside their home, signifying the star of Bethlehem. Enactments’ of journey of the wise men to see baby Jesus is orchestrated in the communities around the time of epiphany.
On Christmas Eve churches hold several mass called ‘Simbang Gabi’, which is similar to the ‘Misas Del Gallo’ (Mass of the Rooster) in Guatemala. During this holiday season, hot ginger tea, called ‘Salabat’ with rice cakes is popular to serve.
It is a sweet, spicy drink. Certainly good for cold and sore throat too,i would add.I made it only a cup for me.
Salabat :
1 Cup Water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Teaspoon grated ginger.
Boil everthing in a pot for 15 mins.Strain it.Enjoy.
