What does the parol symbolises? We asked several of our kababayans.
Highlights
- Different designs and colors of lanterns can be seen hanging in the homes of many Filipinos.
- Primarily symbolising the birth of Jesus Christ for those who worships.
- Filipinos also associate it with celebrating with family, having hope and faith.
Symbol of faith
For Joanna Magno-Soncuya, the parol is a symbol of our faith, "reminding us the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
"Parol is a star which symbolises the birth of our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. Nagbibigay ng kulay, liwanag, kasiyahan hindi lang sa aming tahanan kundi sa buong kapaligaran at sa mga taong nakakatanaw nito."
"At the same time, kahit malayo kami sa aming pamilya at sa Pilipinas ay nadadama namin ang presensya ng pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan," says the mum from Wynnum, Queensland.
"The parol reminds us of our home country, Philippines during Christmas season. Kapag may parol na sa paligid, hudyat na eto ng simula ng masayang pagdiriwang ng Paskong Pinoy."
You can be as creative and resourceful as using the baking paper (3rd star) for your parol. Source: Joanna Magno- Soncuya
"The parol symbolises our faith, reminding us the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at the same time a reminder of the Filipino spirit of Christmas." Source: Supplied by J. Soncuya
Mrs Soncuya and her husband, Dennis and daughter, Chesca made the parol fitted with bright white lights.
Remembering where one comes from
"Whenever we see parol way back home we, as kids, are pretty much excited because we know that Christmas time is coming. Gift-giving and aguinaldos are sure to be expected," shares Jose Lobo Villanueva from Mackay, Queensland.
Using spare bamboos he used for his garden, Jose and his partner, Divina Viclar, made their own lantern last November.
The couple hopes to further uplift the Christmas spirit in their area at Bakers Creek in Mackay, where they have been living for the past 7 years.
Chef Jose Villanueva and his partner Divine made 3 parols which now are hanging on display in and out of their home. Source: Jose Villanueva
"It just happened that we got heaps of Filipino neighbours here, we just wanted them [the new generations] to not forget the Filipino way of showing the essence of Christmas."
Jose, who is a chef, last went home in 2018. He hopes that next year his parents will be able to visit them in Queensland.
Jose Villanueva and partner Divina Viclar from Mackay, Queensland. Source: Supplied
The season of giving
Marg Astrologo was overjoyed when her 9-year-old daughter, Ira, thought of giving her teacher the Filipino lantern they made.
"It's beautiful! and so much work [has been put into making the lantern]", says her daughter's teacher when she received their home-made parol.
"Isinabit sa classroom ['yung parol]. Gagamitin pa din daw sa Christmas next year. Nagandahan si teacher, the kids and the parents loved it. Some even messaged me and asked me about it," shares Mrs Astrologo.
9-year-old Ira Astrologo shows off the lantern she and her mum made to give to her teacher. Source: Supplied by Marg Astrologo
The mother from Perth, Western Australia is so proud of her daughter being able to share her Filipino culture to her whole class.
Made from dried bamboo branches, the yellow lantern that the mum-daughter beautifully created, symbolizes the "colourful parol which is as colourful as the Christmas in the Philippines, na bukod sa masaya ay naka-sentro sa pagdiriwang ng pamilya at pagkasilang ni Jesus," says Marg Astrologo.
It was in 2014 when the Astrologos last returned to the Philippines, their daughter, Ira, was still very young then.
Ira Astrologo with her dad preparing to doll up their second parol. Source: Supplied by Marg Astrologo
They were supposed to spend Christmas in the Philippines this year, but due to the pandemic, it did not go ahead.
Love of family
Perth-based Rexzand Matuguinas' lantern was given by his cousin.
According to Rexzand, his cousin, Ryan, made the lantern and gave it to him. Apart from him, Ryan's other friends were also gifted with parols.
For the father of two, parol is a symbol of the Filipino family's Christmas.
"It symbolizes Filipino family Christmas and reunions. It always reminds me of my childhood during elementary days na magpasa ng parol sa klase at isasabit sa kisame ng classroom," he recalls.
Rexzand Matuguinas' parol made and given to him by his cousin Ryan Gempesaw. Source: R. Matuguinas
"Tuwing Christmas party ang daming parol kada classroom at pabonggahan pa."
He also recounts once when he joined and won a parol-making contest in the Philippines.
"Noong magwork ako sa isang company sa Davao sumali kami sa parol-making contest at ako ang gumawa at nagdesign sa parol, sa tulong ng aking kapatid na decorator. Naipanalo namin ng tumatagingting na 10,000 pesos at 'yon ang ginastos namin sa aming Department Christmas party."
Rexzand currently works in a mine site in Karratha, WA. He will be home in time for Christmas, saying "sa December 23, uuwi ako ng bahay para mag-Pasko kasama ang pamilya ko."
Rexzand Matuguinas' wife and two daughters pose with their parol. Source: Supplied by R. Matuguinas
Caring for others
Someone also gave Fernie Vicente her lantern which now hangs in front of their home.
Made by a Filipino friend in Maddington, Western Australia, her parol is decorated with different coloured-lights.
For the Patient Care Assistant at Royal Perth Hospital, it brings her happiness to see a parol.
Fernie Vicente's parol given by a friend lightens up their front yard at night. Source: Supplied by F. Vicente
"It makes me feel happy and remember how we celebrate our Pasko sa Pinas and my children loves it when they see the light and it brightens our night."
There's a special feeling every Christmas, says Fernie, adding "Mahirap i-explain ang feelings ng simoy at ambiance ng Pasko lalo na sa atin at dahil malayo kami sa pamilya, sa simpleng parol napapaligaya kami."
Fortunately, even though they are far from their families in the Philippines, they have friends just in the neighbourhood with whom they spend Christmas with.
The Vicentes wishes everyone a merry Christmas. Source: Supplied by Fernie Vicente
"Every 24th of December meron kami noche buena magkakapitbahay na Filipino dito sa aming area, kaya masaya," she shares.
Celebrating Filipino Christmas
Like many Filipinos, Sally Pedimonte from Brisbane, Queensland is reminded of "Paskong Pinoy" when she sees a parol.
Sally used tinsels, wire and star tree topper and Christmas lights, all bought at local stores in their area, that's why she calls her parol, "Oz lantern".
"It reminds me of my childhood back in the Philippines during Christmas. Back in the day, sa Philippines na pagandahan ng parol na nakasabit sa bawat bahay."
Sally Pedimonte Pinoy parol from locally sourced materials. Source: S. Pedimonte
Whatever each lantern is made off, and be it hanging in or outside our homes, the most important thing to remember is what it truly symbolizes—why we celebrate Christmas after all.
Every celebration is even more meaningful when we are have our loved-ones and friends with us as we happily share what we have, give love and understand each other.
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