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Parol - Filipino Christmas Lantern

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By MM Del Rosario

Parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration, a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern.

Originally made of thin bamboo frames and covered with colored cellophane or with rice paper also known as Japanese paper or papel de Japon. It has two tails that serve as the rays of the star.

Parol reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus.

Parol as Christmas Street Decorations

Parol of various shapes and sizes made of plastic sheet are favourite street Christmas decors around the city.
Parol of various shapes and sizes made of plastic sheet are favourite street Christmas decors around the city.

During Christmas season, parols are seen everywhere. As early as November, parols are hang on windows or door of every Filipino homes, offices, schools, shopping malls and even streets are adorned with these multi-colored lanterns. You will even find mini parols hanging on buses and jeepneys and cars. Today, the parol become more colorful because of the twinkling bulbs in dazzling pattern that help illuminates each parol.

Photo Credits: Thanks to maryan54 from Webshots.


Filipinos used new and recycled materials to make parols, like plastic glasses, candy wrappers, soft drink straws, recycled papers and shells. The present day parol come in different shapes and sizes it doesn't have to be star- shaped, it can be round, rectangular or even square, like a diorama with the Nativity on it.

Parol represents the Filipino innovation, creativity and it is the greatest expression of Christmas spirit. Parol making is a traditional folk craft. School children are taught how to make parol and they usually have a lantern parade to showcase their work.


Parol made from capiz shells

Elegant Christmas Parol made from capiz shells are very popular in the Philippines and are exported to other countries.
Elegant Christmas Parol made from capiz shells are very popular in the Philippines and are exported to other countries.

Parol making is not only a Christmas symbol, it is a symbol of hope for lots of Parol makers. Parol making business is a source of income for lots of Filipinos. They make parol as early as June, a lot of them are sold in the market from October. Parol vendors can be found everywhere, you will see them on the side walks, bus stops, jeepney stops or even along the highway.

Parol has become the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos not just in the Philippines, but in any country where there is a Filipino community. Parol are sold overseas, these are usually made from capiz or shells and are intricately designed, these last longs and can be used every year. There are also Parol that are sold online.


Giant Lantern Festival - San Fernando, Pampanga Philippines

The most spectacular exihibition and parade of Parol is held every year in San Fernando Pampanga, famous for the most unique star lanterns in shapes, colors and sizes made from all kinds of material.

The town becomes the center of Christmas activities, every year spectators get to marvel the amazing lights of the giant lanterns. These lanterns were made by the skillful parol makers from Pampanga.

The Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando is the event that the province of Pampanga is most known for. No doubt that is the reason why San Fernando, Pampanga has been dubbed as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

You can read about the story behind the the Giant Lantern Festival here.

The parol uplifts the spirit, instills a sense of pride and hope, it not only brightens Filipino Christmas, but it serves as an inspiration for Filipino ingenuity.

Parol can brighten any place

Photo Credits: Thanks to maryan54 from Webshots.


The Filipino Parol at Sydney Christmas Parade

Bayanihan Dancers dancing with the parol.
Bayanihan Dancers dancing with the parol.
The Philippines' Float during the 2007 Sydney Christmas Parade.
The Philippines' Float during the 2007 Sydney Christmas Parade.

Comments

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glassvisage profile image

glassvisage  says:
2 years ago

What a beautiful decoration/symbol! I love stars and paper lanterns... sounds wonderful :)

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
2 years ago

Nice Hub! I especially enjoy the good pictures.

MM Del Rosario profile image

MM Del Rosario  says:
2 years ago

Hi Glassvisage,

thanks for dropping by, Parol are really colourful and they add a festive atmosphere, a tradition that we Filipinos have for a long time.


Hi Patty,
I am glad you enjoy my hub. thanks for visiting.

Rmnathan profile image

Rmnathan  says:
2 years ago

Good one. I really like these types of decorations. I know filipinos are creative people. I know many of them here in UAE. I was told, during shopping festivals here items are brought from Pilipines for decoration. Thanks for this hub.

MM Del Rosario profile image

MM Del Rosario  says:
2 years ago

Hi Rmnathan,

I think a lot of Capiz parol are being exported to different countries, capiz parol are a bit expensive but will last a lifetime. Thanks for your wonderful comment.

Paper Money profile image

Paper Money  says:
2 years ago

These are beautiful pictures. I was taught how to make them as a kid as well don't think I can remember now though.

coolestbaby profile image

coolestbaby  says:
2 years ago

I like your ideas. Will try to mix with my Christmas decorations, thank you!

Sam  says:
2 years ago

I'm glad to be a FIlipino. No one has ever captured the star as we do! (",)

jurie  says:
2 years ago

hay what a beautiful lanterns

noebi  says:
2 years ago

ang gaganda ng parol mo

gina  says:
2 years ago

hi, philippines!! When I see your parol I hope that i can go there in the Philippines this Christmas to see your beautiful parol live!!!! the music is matched with the lantern....... beautiful and creative PAROL!!!!!!!!!

Daisy Jane  says:
2 years ago

I like the parol of the philippines, because its so wonderful and full of music...Im so proud of being a filipino.....dito lang sa philippines makikita ang mga magagandang parol.....

cherie  says:
2 years ago

Hi Hub. . . , , (",) goOd dAy! ! ! ! I reAlly lYk Ur Pic2res. . . . I enjOy waTchiNg it. . . Kip uP thE gUd wOrk...

restie alfaro  says:
2 years ago

Christmas Parol symbolizes hope, that even in difficuly moments, we may not despair but have confidence in ourselves...have faith folks,")

BEEWHY  says:
2 years ago

PAANO GUMAWA NG PAROL

kek  says:
2 years ago

prowd 2 b pinoy!!!!!

add nyu ko sa friendster at ym ha

friendster:jk_maybelline

ym:klexer_jk@yahoo.com

joy  says:
2 years ago

pls give me a good reason why do we celebrate christmas? and what is the relation of the word "in excelsis deo" in the parol with the manger?thanks

Mary   says:
11 months ago

How can I order to buy one of the parol lantern?

evita  says:
8 months ago

bakit nga ba kailangan ng parol sa x-mas

jovy  says:
8 months ago

pano na nga pala gumawa ng parol na recycle pro mukang sosyyyyyy?????

analyn  says:
8 months ago

cnu nga ba ang nka imbento ng pag ssabit ng parol sa pasko???????????

mia  says:
8 months ago

Can someone teach me how to make the paper tassel for these parols? I have a parol with no tassel.

miaweaver@yahoo.com

omar  says:
8 months ago

it is so simple

jamet  says:
8 months ago

i like the diff parol they are amazing

Steph  says:
8 months ago

Pano po gumawa ng parol? yong simpleng star lang. Miss ko na pasko sa Pinas.


Tsaka san po makakabili ng parol online.


Pls send me a message. sweetgene09@yahoo.com

sanito  says:
7 months ago

minsan po iniisip ko at natatanong sa aking sarili ano ang simbolo ng parol. bakit atinutolad sa star?

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker  says:
7 months ago

Hi MM, I enjoyed reading your hub and have posted a link in my blog http://ripplemakers.blogspot.com. :) Yes it's the Christmas season and here in the Philippines I now see a lot of parols around. We also placed some in our preschool. I like your photos too.

bungs  says:
7 months ago

magnda

anmheca  says:
7 months ago

hi very happy

stargazer  says:
7 months ago

I'm here in london, I want to buy a lantern made in capiz just like the one featured above, that with holy family. It says its being exported, where can I buy or order one,

Cc  says:
7 months ago

Nice!!! Nakaka-miss.

Maria P.  says:
7 months ago

I enjoyed this very informative site. It really makes you wanna go back and visit the Philippines. I have bought 3 lanterns over the years. It does bring you back, even just in memories. Those Filipinos away from home and could not sleep, always tired, and buying bottled water and want to save in the long run, I have a solution. Go and visit my website: nikken.com/ecowellness (my ID is 844079900- feel free to use them to register.)

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