In the Philippines people adorn
their homes with a replica of manger where the infant Jesus was born in Bethlehem, with Christmas tree, with the "parol" or the
Philippine Christmas lantern and with other adornments. The parol, especially in the rural area, is a traditional Christmas
decoration of Filipino homes. The name parol is derived from the
Spanish word “farol” which means lantern or lamp.
A parol , as its
name suggests, is a Christmas lantern
that is made in divergent sizes, shapes and colors. It is commonly star shaped
although there are lanterns which are shaped as box, bells or others depending
on the ingenuity of the makers. Most lanterns which are star-shaped are
five-pointed star although there are others that are four-pointed stars. The star shape is inspired with the bright star that guided the three magi in their
search for the Infant Jesus. Although a parol is called a lantern, many are
designed and made without light in them. Most of the lanterns are not designed
to be carried outdoors but rather they are used to adorn the exterior of the house.
Most lighting is Christmas lamps that are attached to the body of the
lantern. Usually, the lantern’s
framework is made of thin bamboo strips which are joined and bound with
string. Some designs have ring around
the star and tails at the bottom while others have none. The framework is
covered with crepe paper that is attached by pasting it on the bamboo strip.
Other types of decorative papers are also used. The allure of the finished
product depends on the design of the lantern and the paper cutting skill of the
maker. Elaborate paper cutting designs
on the body of the star, the ring and tail as well as the attractiveness of the
lighting can make a lantern stand out from other lanterns.
Some poorer Filipino Families can earn additional income
during the Christmas season by making parols. September starts the beginning of
the month when they make use of their craft in Christmas lantern making. The parol
is priced as low as 50 pesos (about 1 US dollars) for the smallest and the
simplest, and as high as 3,000 pesos (about 58 US dollars) for the biggest
with the most elegant design and lighting.
It was a common practice in the past to hold a parol show competition especially in public elementary schools or in a village just prior to Christmas break. But in the present such contest is already scarce due perhaps to the changing preferences of people in the modern times. Participants in the contest can make a parol of any design or shape that symbolizes the spirit of the Christmas season. The contest may just be a part of of a Christmas program or a single activity exclusively dedicated for that purpose. Such practice adds to the excitement and joy of the Christmas celebration.
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