christmas is here!

in the philippines, we have the longest christmas celebration. everything that reminds you of christmas is present from september and will last until the second week of january (the feast of the three kings) the succeeding year.

once september steps in, everything changes. people seem nicer, the radio stations start playing christmas carols. the malls display christmas decors, not to mention that everything goes on sale. families start decorating their home and the christmas lanterns come out.

photo courtesy of hansntareen (flickr.com)

locally known as parol, these christmas lanterns can be seen almost on every home as the ber months (september to december) step in. traditionally, the parol is shaped like a star, symbolizing the bright star that led the three kings (or magi) to the manger where the Lord Jesus was born. the design can be as simple as japanese paper laid out on a star-shaped bamboo skeleton with a simgle lightbulb inside, or as ornate and colorful as the ones on the photo. in schools, a lantern-making contest is normally held every year. i remember one year, when the theme for the annual contest in our school was the eco-friendliest parol. lanterns made from different types of materials, including those made from corn husks and corn seeds. there was another one made for eggshells, every piece painstakingly glued together and painted to form a mosaic of the Holy Family. if i remember correctly, the once made from coconut shells and abaca fiber won that year. yes, students made them.

for us Filipinos, the parol is not just a chirstmas decor; it is a reminder of the Baby that was born that night and the mission he is set to fulfill.

there are only 114 days left before christmas. 

are you ready?