Pinoy tradition: the Christmas Parol

(photo credits)

We are the Land of Fiestas! I think - and probably all Dabawenyos would agree - that Christmas is the most celebrated of all holidays in the Philippines. To be honest, we might be even renowned in the world as a nation that loves to start this festive season as early as the "-ber" months hit the calendar. Then no one can escape the 'Last Christmas I gave you my heart', 'The Christmas song', 'Rudolph the red-nose reindeer' and 'All I want for Christmas' blasting out of the speakers and radios over and over again.

A vendor selling parols along the street (photo)

As early as then, I love seeing the vendors along McArthur Highway, Quimpo Boulevard, Roxas Boulevard and the side street of BSP Quirino, who are selling those beautiful Christmas lanterns as decoration. A Christmas without these illuminating the streets, buildings or bridges in the city of Davao, is not possible and unthinkable. It is a deep-embedded tradition which we love. What the Christmas tree is to the Westerns, is the Parol to us Filipinos.

Hundreds of white parols hung in the old acacia trees in Davao's Rizal Park.
(photo credits)

It is interesting to learn that these Christmas lanterns are also called "Parol" from the Spanish word "Farol". Farols evolved some time in 1928 from the five-pointed paper star lantern originally crafted by an artist known as Francisco Estanislao. 

A woman making a parol (photo credits).

Way back then, simple people used to build their parol with Japanese rice paper ("Papel de Hapon"), sticks taken from a bamboo tree and a candle that will be placed inside to light their paths during the Misa de Gallo (learn here how to make your own parol) The five-pointed stars originates from the bible when The Kings followed the Star to Bethlehem to find the Infant Jesus.

It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.

A parol made of capiz shells (photo)

Nowadays, Parols look very different and come in different shapes and sizes. But generally, modern crafters still stick to the traditional pattern of a five-pointed star. They use plastics, woods, ropes, cellophane and other materials that are available.