Parols Symbolize Birth of Christ, Reign of Light and Filipinos’ Trademark Ingenuity

By DC 

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How did the parol come to be? Not many really know its origins. The Filipino Christmas lantern has evolved from its Spanish name farol into a strong Filipino cultural symbol. Behind the long history of the parol, there has been a deep purpose or representation on why it’s still around today. Besides symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ, it also exemplifies the reign of light over darkness, the true spirit of Christmas, and the trademark ingenuity of the Filipino people.

The parol was traditionally bamboo and paper-made, but it now embraces diverse materials like plastic, metal, and capiz shells, often illuminated by electric lighting. Initially, these lanterns varied in shape and color but adopted the five-pointed star form during American colonial times.

Integral to the Panunulúyan pageant during the Spanish colonial era, parols, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, lit the Christmas Novena procession. Over time, they became iconic in Filipino Christmas celebrations, embodying the essence of the season.

These lanterns have transformed, from early rectangular designs to the standardized star shapes. Pampanga’s Lubenas processions showcased the evolution of parol shapes, including crosses, fish, and star shapes representing biblical elements. The tradition saw a revival in some towns around the year 2000.

Milestone of the star parol

Francisco Estanislao's purported creation of the first five-pointed star parol in 1908 marked a milestone. From manual lanterns, innovations in the 1940s introduced battery-operated and programmable electric parols. Remarkably, the farolitos of New Mexico trace their roots back to the Filipino parol via the Manila galleons.

Traditional parols had bamboo frames covered with colored Japanese or crepe paper, but contemporary versions encompass a vast array of materials and designs. Pampanga's renowned lantern craftsmanship features concentric layers known as tambor, siku-siku, palimbun, and puntetas. Today, innovations in Pampanga include programmable LED lights and intricate designs, keeping the essence of the original stellate pattern intact.

Though the craft of making lanterns was once part of school curricula, it's now predominantly practiced in rural areas. Exceptions are cities like San Fernando, Pampanga, and Las Piñas, where this craft flourishes.

Parols worldwide

In the Philippines, the parol holds a symbolic place akin to the Western Christmas tree. Its yearly appearance in September heralds the upcoming festive season, accompanying the Simbang Gabi ritual. These lanterns, representing the Three Kings, traditionally remain until January, marking the culmination of the Christmas celebrations.

Communities engage in parol-making competitions, notably the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, featuring colossal parols that dazzle with synchronized illuminations and musical performances. Overseas, the Filipino diaspora has embraced this tradition. 

In Austria, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt showcases parol displays, while in the US, Chicago hosts free Parol Making Workshops, and San Francisco and Los Angeles celebrate annual Parol Festivals. In 2023, Fiesta in America is holding its first Filipino Christmas festival called Pasko in America. It will have a parol parade, parol making and parol lighting activities.

Filipino communities across Canada and the US also adorn their homes and churches with parols during Christmas festivities, honoring their cultural heritage.