
The star-like shape of the parol which has been its original design remains common in the Philippines and considered distinct for Filipinos.The crafts are usually made in the barrios and the poblacions and is rarely done in urban areas. On the contrary, Parañaque, a city in Metro Manila, has the largest production of Parols.
The parol has become an iconic symbol of a Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas Tree is to other cultures. Its appearance on houses and streets which usually starts in September along with other Christmas symbols signals the coming of the season. The parol is associated with the Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses that lasts for nine days. Parols remain until in January, usually removed by the sixth day of the month, to honor the "Three Kings" and their visit to the child Jesus. (Wikipedia)
Without the parol, christmas would be less festive for us Filipinos. And it makes me proud that this christmas ornament is distinctly a Philippine product
4 comments:
Thank you for sharing your traditions.
Many blessings to you this BYB Sunday and for the coming season.
Thanks for this insight. It's nice to learn how other cultures celebrate Christmas. So much to learn!The star fascinates me, and so does the cross-pollination of cultural influences.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
Beautiful. I loved the history of it. All we have in the USA are gaudy Christmas lights and huge Christmas trees, both of which are a huge waste of energy.
Stopping by for BYBS and to wish you all the best in 2008.
Interesting how culture & religion intertwines beautifully & harmoniously =)
Warm wishes for an excellent year ahead!
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