Cover SAN FERNANDO, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 18: Spectators watch a light display during the Giant Lantern Festival on December 18, 2010 in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. Giant lanterns averaging 20 feet in height and lit with at least 3,000 light bulbs will compete for the top prize in the competition, which has a tradition dating back to the mid 1920's. Pampanga is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines and is famous for hosting the Giant Lantern Festival. (Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)
SAN FERNANDO, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 18: Spectators watch a light display during the Giant Lantern Festival on December 18, 2010 in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. Giant lanterns averaging 20 feet in height and lit with at least 3,000 light bulbs will compete for the top prize in the competition, which has a tradition dating back to the mid 1920's. Pampanga is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines and is famous for hosting the Giant Lantern Festival. (Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)
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This month we revisit the origins and meaning of a traditional Christmas decor that is uniquely Filipino
When city streets and houses light up with colourful Christmas lanterns, it only means one thing—the festive season is here. Known locally as parol, the star-shaped lanterns are, however, more than just mere decorations but rather, symbols of the victory of light over darkness. Signifying hope amidst despair, it holds a special meaning even more in this pandemic—as a reminder to remain resilient and optimistic and put our faith in the Lord.
Traditionally, the parol is made with bamboo sticks and papel de japon (Japanese paper) illuminated inside by candle or carbide. Today, these lanterns are lit up either with light bulbs manually operated with various switches or LED lights for dancing light sequences that give joy not only to kids but to everyone.
Above SAN FERNANDO, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 18: Spectators watch a light display during the Giant Lantern Festival on December 18, 2010 in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. Giant lanterns averaging 20 feet in height and lit with at least 3,000 light bulbs will compete for the top prize in the competition, which has a tradition dating back to the mid 1920's. Pampanga is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines and is famous for hosting the Giant Lantern Festival. (Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)
SAN FERNANDO, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 18: Spectators watch a light display during the Giant Lantern Festival on December 18, 2010 in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. Giant lanterns averaging 20 feet in height and lit with at least 3,000 light bulbs will compete for the top prize in the competition, which has a tradition dating back to the mid 1920's. Pampanga is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines and is famous for hosting the Giant Lantern Festival. (Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)
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The parol’s traditional simple design may be credited to Francisco Estanislao, an artisan from the province of Pampanga, who crafted a five-pointed paper star lantern in 1908. Eventually, more durable materials, such as plastic and fiberglass, were used. But an authentic Philippine material that has become significantly popular for the parol is the capiz, iridescent shells indigenous to our seas, flattened and cut into precision. The shells can stay in natural pearly white or be tinted like stained glass pieces.
Above MANILA, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 13: Vendors sell lanterns at a Christmas decorations market on December 13, 2020 in Manila, Philippines. The COVID-19 pandemic will make 2.7 million more Filipinos poor this year on top of a record slide in the Philippines gross domestic product (GDP), the World Bank said. On their December economic update for the Philippines, the World Bank nonetheless remains optimistic that the economy will recover starting 2021 as quarantine restrictions ease and as COVID-19 vaccines becom
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - DECEMBER 13: Vendors sell lanterns at a Christmas decorations market on December 13, 2020 in Manila, Philippines. The COVID-19 pandemic will make 2.7 million more Filipinos poor this year on top of a record slide in the Philippines gross domestic product (GDP), the World Bank said. On their December economic update for the Philippines, the World Bank nonetheless remains optimistic that the economy will recover starting 2021 as quarantine restrictions ease and as COVID-19 vaccines becom
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Above Last November, Disney UK released its viral ad campaign for Christmas that highlighted Filipino-themed Christmas season. It was a tribute to Filipino immigrants all over the world.
Derived from the Spanish word farol, which means “lantern”, parol has been used by barrio folks to light up their paths when going to their local churches for Misa de Gallo, the traditional nine-day novena of dawn Masses that starts on 16 December and culminates on Christmas Eve.
Ornate versions of the parol usually come with designs and patterns taken from Western Christmas figures such as angels, Santa Claus and reindeer, or from natural elements like flowers and snowflakes. But more importantly, the parol symbolises the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the manger where Christ was born. Hence, parol and other Christmas decorations are not taken down until the feast of the Epiphany in January, in honour of the Three Kings.
The Philippines can very well lay claim to the title Christmas Capital of Asia for its various festivals, parades and religious festivities associated with the season. Not to mention, the Christmas spirit being awakened by songs and decorations as early as September. One of the biggest and most anticipated non-religious events of the season is San Fernando City’s Ligligan Parul or the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga. In this annual competition of various barangays, people from everywhere flock to the city’s first day of the Misa de Gallo to witness towering lanterns compete in beauty and creativity.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
