What is the essence of Parol?

*Philippine Christmas Symbol*

"Parol"

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There is nothing more to describe when star lanterns "parol" are starting to become dominant inside and outside the homes of Filipinos. When people started to place stars in their community it means the Christmas season has arrived and people are also putting Christmas lights that makes their houses feel the presence of Christmas.

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Parol had been always the symbol of christmas in the Philippines. Filipinos are not just making a simple star for display, they also create improvements to their parol because they believed that having this lantern is a sign of their expression as a Christian faith and hope.

https://ilostrado.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/vans3n-11282012-red-christmas-parol-0006.jpg

The earliest parols were traditionally made from simple materials like bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper, and a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination; although the present day parol can take many different shapes and forms. Around Manila, parols made of Capiz shell or plastic illuminate the city. One of the most spectacular innovations can be found in the city of San Fernando where 20 foot tall parols with kaleidoscopic blinking lights are paraded through the streets on truck beds. Whatever the material or shape, the parol is a recognizable symbol to all Filipinos and represents the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of the newly-born Jesus Christ.

The parol is a main component in the Filipino celebration of Christmas, which has become a Festival of Lights. The festivities cover the months ending with “BER” which are September, October, November and of course December. Christmas music can be heard sporadically in the beginning of September, and one could feel an increasing sense of the coming of Christmas as more and more Christmas songs are played on the radio, and as more homes, businesses, streets and parks become brightly lit with wonderful colors. The malls and department stores are the first ones to decorate, and showcase their mangers and beautiful parols.

Up to these following BER months, parol are increasing and more lanterns are being created. Some schools and universities are making Parols as their projects for the upcoming December. Group of students created their different parols and below are the pictures of our group work.

"For me, parol is the sign of our faith to Jesus and a sign of our hope for the challenges in life. We may experience strong disasters and poverty but the figure of Parol reminds us that we have God who is always with us".

Info Basis:
http://myparol.com/abouttheparol.html