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Come late November, the streets and sidewalks are a-glitter with lights as every Filipino household hangs a colorful parol outside their home. A parol is a star lantern that comes in a simple five-point design or as a kaleidoscope of swirling triangles, circles, octagons, and squares in every color imaginable. The construction of the parol is said to have its roots in the Mexican pinata, which came to the Philippines during the island’s trade with the country under Mexican rule. It was first used not as a decorative ornament, but as a way to light the road to the church for those who attend the Misa de Aguinaldo, which starts on the dawn of December 16 and ends at Christmas Eve with the Misa de Gallo. After the mass, families would keep their parol on display instead of keeping them inside the house. The style of the parol changed with time as different households began to incorporate tassels, crowns and streamers. People would walk around the streets admiring the lanterns on display, and the Church encouraged this friendly competition by offering incentives for those who made the best parol as an offering to the infant Jesus. As a religious symbol, the parol represents the star of Bethlehem, which pointed the way for the Three Wise Men searching for the infant Savior.

The parol is an indelible part of the Filipino celebration of Christmas. Can you imagine Christmas in the Philippines without a single parol on display in front of homes or at the malls? The parol is the most visible symbol of the Christmas spirit and shared faith and hope. For millions of Filipino families, this star-shaped lantern evokes the spirit of peace, hope, love, and togetherness brought about by the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago.

View Photos of Filipino Christmas Parol and see the beauty of Filipino craftmanship.

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