One of the most well-known Filipino Christmas decorations is the Parol, which represents the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to baby Jesus. Its origin dates back to 1908, when Francisco Estanislao crafted a star-shaped paper lantern made of bamboo strips and lit by a candle. It was adapted by barrio peoples to light their paths during the ritual yuletide dawn Masses called Misa de Gallo, as electricity was yet unavailable at the time in many rural areas. Parols today are constructed using various materials such as feathers, beads, cellophane, tissue paper, seeds, shells, and much more. It has evolved and become more decorative than the original bamboo stick and paper design. They come in different sizes and designs as well, ranging from small tinsel and foil lanterns to gigantic and elegantly decorated ones. The word paról is derived from the Spanish word farol, meaning lantern. Another, less-known name for this and lanterns in general is paritaán. --- Photo: Parol-making Contest at last years Christmas Party. There will be no Parol-making contest this year. We need volunteers to prepare the materials, specially the bamboo frames, before the event, and to manage the contest. If you value this tradition, please come forward and volunteer OR donate for the materials and prizes.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 03:04:53 +0000
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