Parol is a Christmas star-shaped lantern from the Philippines. The main idea for this lantern came from the star that guided the Three Kings to the manger where Jesus was born. It also symbolizes the hope and goodwill of the Filipinos during Christmas season.
The term parol was derived from the Spanish word farol meaning lantern.
Parol has become an iconic symbol of Christmas for the Filipinos which could be considered as the counter part of the Christmas Tree in the Western Culture. Usually being decorated in houses, streets, schools and other establishments in September along with other common Christmas decorations in the Philippines. These lanterns will remain until January after Epiphany to honor the Three Kings, which considered as the end of Christmas Celebration in the Philippines.
As the tern lantern denotes, a lamp with a transparent case to protect the flame or the electric bulb, it is said that the origin or concept of the five-pointer paper star lantern was originally crafter by the year 1908. Francisco Estanislao an artisan, a paper lantern made of bamboo strips covered with “papel de japon” (Japanese Paper). Illuminated by a candle, this was the start of the lanterns those days that were used to light the way of the people, usually in the rural areas where electricity was unavailable that time, during the yuletide dawn Mass called Misa de Gallo.
Traditionally, parols are designed to be a star-shaped framework made of bamboo sticks covered with Japanese paper. The most common design is a five-pointed star with two decorative tails and sometimes with a halo around the star. Although the concept of being a lantern or a lamp is not necessarily required especially those being brought by young Filipino students to decorate their classrooms. Nowadays, the materials and design of the parols have evolved. The materials being used and can be seen now varies from plastic, straws, leaves, shells, glass, beads, wood and even metal. With much more complicated design and colors but the main concept and design of the five-pointed star remains. They also be seen in various sizes, from small to gigantic with one, three and even more tails.
Recent innovations even include electronically-programmed to produce dancing effects to the very colourful lights.
The craft of lantern-making is usually taught to school children when the season arrives where it is time to decorate the classrooms for Christmas season. Most of the production are being done in the rural areas except for some notable cities known in the craft.
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