Parol--the Filipino Christmastime Star

A festive Filipino ornament called parol (bamboo paper lantern) is being displayed in a number of California cities today as a part of a fund-raising drive for handicapped people in the Philippines.

Among Southern California cities where the parol can be found are Long Beach, Carson, Cerritos, West Covina, Baldwin Park and Monterey Park

“Some 300,000 parol are invading Los Angeles and other cities in California this December,” said Tipin Coscolluela, chairperson of the project, at a press conference at the Philippine consulate here.

Parol, a star-shaped paper lantern usually made of a bamboo frame and paper, is hung from windows, colorfully decorated and brightly lit. The tradition is practiced by the more than 1 million Filipinos in the U.S.

According to Filipino historians, the parol dates back hundreds of years.

“It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the way of the Three Wise Men to the manger during that first Christmas night,” said Ruby Gonzales, head of Industrialized Handicrafts Inc.

“Today, these stars are regarded as the symbols of hope, good will and new life,” said the Filipina who is spearheading the charity for the benefit of disabled persons in the Philippines. “Hanging these stars at Christmastime is a blend of Japanese, Chinese and Malay customs.”

Little-known in the outside world, “This Filipino custom of making parol started with the hanging of a simple five-pointed design frame made of bamboo sticks tied together, then wrapped with colorful tissue paper around its frames,” said 72-year-old Teodora Abraham of Torrance, who is active in Filipino religious activities.

A simply designed one costs about $10. Bigger stars with exotic, kaleidoscopic or abstract designs cost $100 or more.