Decorating Christmas

// November 8th, 2008 // Still photos

As early as September, most pinoy families already adorn their homes and yards with Christmas decors. The most notable and common decor is the star of david, or Christmas lantern. It is the star that the 3 wise men, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar followed so they can worship the baby Jesus. Most pinoy homes would have this “parol” or Christmas lantern and it comes in many shapes and sizes and in different colors as well. Some are lit and some are not.

The use of parol, pronounced as Pah-roll, dates back from the time the spaniards ruled over the Philippines about 400 years ago. Made of bamboo sticks and colored papers to capiz and wires, the parol can be found both in rural and urban areas. From the simplest of parols to the grandest, you would be able to spot one in the Philippines where ever you are. The Christmas spirit will always be alive with the Pinoy as long as you see a parol hanging on every homes.

Let us also try to remember the origin of this Christmas lantern and redirect our focus on the real reason why we celebrate this season.