Filipino christmas lantern or parol is an iconic christmas symbol in the Philippines.
I remember growing up with my grandmother making this every year. She uses bamboo papel de hapon and glue. It seems like christmas is not christmas without a parol.
Filipino christmas is celebrated lively, bright, colorful and full of traditions. And the star-shaped lanterns is one of the most traditional or cultural symbol of Christmas for us. “Parol” lanterns are displayed hanging outside homes, stores, along the streets and eveywhere.
The origin of parol can be traced back during the Spanish time in the Philippines. Before, parols were made and used to light the way of people who faithfully attends Simbang gabi. The word parol was derived from the spanish word “farol” meaning lantern.
I guessed i got the skill of making parol from my grandmother. She did not teach me how to do it but I saw her every year doing it.
I enjoy doing it and it brings back lots of childhood memories. How we celebrated christmas when we were young and what happiness christmas brings.
Making parol is an enjoyable craft to make with family and friends. It can be an annual gathering for family. There are events in the Philippines were most crafts people attend to show and display different kinds of parol. And there are competitions being held to make the most big, bright and beautiful parol. In the province of Pampanga, there’s a giant lantern festival held every christmas season.
Parol making in the Philippines is one of our tradition that we can pass to our next generation even if we are away from home. It symbolizes hope and faith for most filipinos the triump of light over darkness.
Originally it was made from bamboo and papel de japon. But now it can be done with any material, plastic, metal, paper, fabric, capiz, straw, and other recycled materials.
Making a parol is not so hard, you can use any material that is available to you. Also you can watch tons of youtube tutorial on how to make one. Or you can call me or ask me and i”ll teach you how to do it.
Let’s keep this filipino traditions to our family. Make our Christmas merrier and brigher by hanging parols in our homes.
