Parol - Filipino Christmas Lantern
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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Originally made of thin bamboo frames and covered with colored cellophane or with rice paper also known as Japanese paper or papel de Japon.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
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
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.
- How to Make a Parol
Market Manila's simple and easy steps on how to make a parol, with pictures. - Manila's Giant Lantern
These lanterns were displayed at Luneta park (2007)
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Caroling is a part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. Once the Dawn Mass known as "Misa de Gallo" or "Simbang Gabi " starts, carolers will be on their feet singing Christmas carols from house to house... - Monito Monita - Exchange Gifts
Christmas is the season of gift giving. In keeping with the tradition of giving, Filipinos have their own version of exchanging gifts or Kris Kringle, it is called "Monito Monita". This is usually done among...
The Filipino Parol at Sydney Christmas Parade
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Comments
Nice Hub! I especially enjoy the good pictures.
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.
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.
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.
These are beautiful pictures. I was taught how to make them as a kid as well don't think I can remember now though.
I like your ideas. Will try to mix with my Christmas decorations, thank you!
I'm glad to be a FIlipino. No one has ever captured the star as we do! (",)
hay what a beautiful lanterns
ang gaganda ng parol mo
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!!!!!!!!!
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.....
Hi Hub. . . , , (",) goOd dAy! ! ! ! I reAlly lYk Ur Pic2res. . . . I enjOy waTchiNg it. . . Kip uP thE gUd wOrk...
Christmas Parol symbolizes hope, that even in difficuly moments, we may not despair but have confidence in ourselves...have faith folks,")
PAANO GUMAWA NG PAROL
prowd 2 b pinoy!!!!!
add nyu ko sa friendster at ym ha
friendster:jk_maybelline
ym:klexer_jk@yahoo.com
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
How can I order to buy one of the parol lantern?
bakit nga ba kailangan ng parol sa x-mas
pano na nga pala gumawa ng parol na recycle pro mukang sosyyyyyy?????
cnu nga ba ang nka imbento ng pag ssabit ng parol sa pasko???????????
Can someone teach me how to make the paper tassel for these parols? I have a parol with no tassel.
miaweaver@yahoo.com
it is so simple
i like the diff parol they are amazing
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
minsan po iniisip ko at natatanong sa aking sarili ano ang simbolo ng parol. bakit atinutolad sa star?
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.
magnda
hi very happy
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,
Nice!!! Nakaka-miss.
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.)
Wonder if they could make a parol that the design is the Philippine flag?... :D
mas ok ang xmas lantern festival sa Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga, coz watching everything for 20 days is for free. This old custom and tradition have been binding the floridians for almost 60 yrs na. this is the best way Basa can bond with the populace. Visit us from 10 Dec to 31 December and u'll feel how beautiful and friendly the floridians specially BASA People.
Thank you fot the beautiful pictures. I was wondering if there is any articles
next time paki post ang paano gawin para makagawa naman kami
how to make a recycle parol
haha well i'm proud of it
nice! Keep
on doing i
and always keep into ur mind that
nationalism is needed for the country's progress
we also sell Capiz Parols original from pampanga at very affordable prices, visit us: http://capizparolsforsale.blogspot.com/
Hi kababayan,
thx for the wonderful pictures really love it.
asteeeeeeeeeeeg......so beautiful...
san ko po ba mki2ta ung parol ni mike deluna
nice article. brings back memories of childhood :-).
nice parol
lenford CDO
Nice!......Favorite symbol ng cousin k ang stars!........I also like stars especially the bright ones....
Hey we in Sri Lanka do light up a similar decoration for Vesak (Lord Buddha's birthday). It is made of a bamboo skeleton and tissue paper is pasted on. Vendors sell the bamboo skeletons on streets and familes paste the paper at home, completed ones are also available and it is not uncommon to see these being made at home from scratch.
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glassvisage says:
2 years ago
What a beautiful decoration/symbol! I love stars and paper lanterns... sounds wonderful :)