The parol, or Christmas lantern, shines brighter today as a symbol of faith and hope. After two Christmases of restricted movement due to the pandemic, people are carefully feeling their way back to normal socialization, businesses are open, and the commercial centers are alive with the spirit of Christmas twinkling through thousands of lights and ornaments.
Around the country, the Pinoy parol in all colors and sizes lights up the nightscape, hanging from windows, light posts, trees, and gardens. In the commercial centers, the giant parol blends with the Christmas-theme decorations. In Metro Manila, streets are now lighted by these Filipino Christmas lanterns after local government units officially launched their Christmas decorations in the past weeks. In that landscape, the lighted parol perfectly expresses “the victory of light over darkness” as many have described another symbol of an enduring tradition.
Thus, we Filipinos cannot think of a Christmas season without the star-shaped lantern hanging somewhere. History recalls that Jose Rizal, while living in exile in Dapitan in 1893, had written a letter requesting that Japanese paper be sent to him so he could “celebrate Christmas properly.” Today, in many parts of the world, a parol is said to bring Pinoys together as its presence outside a window states that a Filipino must live in the house.
There are many symbols that the parol represents. First, it displays Filipino creativity. Parol-making is often a school project, where bamboos are used to shape the five-point star, Japanese paper covers the structure, and creativity takes over to produce unique lanterns.
The parol is often also called the “Star of Bethlehem” thus it is traditionally hung outside windows to represent the guide for the Three Kings” to find the baby Jesus in a manger.
Today, let us dwell on the parol as a symbol of hope, an element that strengthens the resilience that has made Filipinos survive natural disasters.
Hope is a strong emotion, it strengthens faith and gives lessons on humility. To the one who makes a promise, hope encourages more effort to deliver on a promise.
Thirty-five years ago, in 1986, the parol became the centerpiece of a livelihood project that offered hope to displaced sugar workers in Negros Occidental. It was named the Star of Hope project and was initiated by then governor Daniel Lacson, Jr. It produced 200,000 star-shaped Christmas lanterns from 18 livelihood centers around the province, and the collapsible design made it possible to ship them to many markets more efficiently.
The parol in Filipino Christmas celebrations started during the Spanish time when people would carry torches or candles during the nine-day Christmas novena procession which became known as the Simbang Gabi. Articles about it say the parol in the design we know it today started in 1908 in Pampanga. Through the years, its design became more intricate, inspiring local competitions and festivals. In Pampanga, the famous Giant Lantern Festival is held every year and attracts artists and tourists.
The parol has become the symbol of Christmas in the Philippines and it brings the many meanings of the season – faith, hope, goodwill, the victory of light over darkness, and the joy in the birth of Jesus.
We have 21 days to take inspiration from the Pinoy parol to spread the meaning of Christmas. Start now with a smile.