Philippine Lantern or Parol

At Christmas time, this little light of mine—I’m gonna’ let it shine!.  See how the Philippines light up for Christmas by reading Sister Taylor’s research paper attached. 

 

Love, GT & DT. 

Philippine Lantern or Paról

As I drive down the streets, I see that many of the markets, shops, and homes are lighted with multicolored paróls.  The design of the paról evokes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the manger.   It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and light of goodwill during the Christmas season.^[5]

Patterns of the paról evolved from the five-pointed paper star lantern originally crafted by an artisan named Francisco Estanislao in 1928.  His creation was made of bamboo strips covered with papél de japón (Japanese paper), illuminated by a candle or kalburo (carbide).   This kind of lantern was used by barrio folks 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.^[6]

In the Philippines, the paról has become an iconic symbol of the Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas Tree is to Western cultures.^{[11] Wikipedia}

^{I can never think of the Christmas season again without seeing the bright colors of the Philippine lanterns. They remind me of the happiness of the people, their stained glass windows, and their dedication to their Christian beliefs. As you look at the lights on your Christmas trees this year may you know that we also celebrate as we think of you across the sea.}  

^{DST  December 2012}