Making Filipino lanterns, or parols, is a fun and creative way to celebrate Filipino culture and can be a fun family activity. To make your own parol, you will need a variety of supplies including bamboo sticks, colorful crepè paper, embroidery hoops, glue, scissors, and markers.
Start by cutting the bamboo sticks into four pieces, two that are four inches long and two that are two inches long. Take the four-inch sticks and tie them together in a cross-shape with a piece of string in the center.
The shorter sticks should be placed in the middle to form the shape of a star. Secure the star shape with glue.
Next, start attaching the crepè paper to the frame. With the edges of each piece facing up, begin from the center, glueing each piece until you have covered the entire frame in crepê paper. If desired, decorate with markers or buttons.
Once your parol is finished, attach a hook or string for hanging the lantern. Hang or display your parol wherever you choose and enjoy seeing your unique creation!
Why do Filipinos use lanterns as Christmas decorations?
Filipinos use lanterns as Christmas decorations for a few reasons, but the most significant reason is to honor a major part of their culture and heritage. In the Philippines, the iconic “parol” lantern is a major symbol of Christmas.
The lanterns are significant because it is said that in the late 1500s St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuit Order) used them to spread the word of where Midnight Mass would be held. Filipinos have since kept up this tradition, to this day making and displaying their parol lanterns as part of Christmas decorations.
The parol lanterns were traditionally made out of bamboo and paper or fibrous cloth such as buri or capiz shells and adorned with imitations of stars on its surface. The decorations also included smiling figures and animals crafted with feathers, shells, flowers and other adornments.
These days, Filipinos still use parol lanterns to decorate their homes and yards. Parols are also used to guide people to churches or mark a specific one, just like how it was in the 16th century. In addition, making the parols is a way of celebrating the Filipino culture, especially for those living in other countries.
The parols are symbols of patriotism and strength that honor Filipino culture and history.
What are Christmas lanterns made of?
Christmas lanterns are typically made from glass, metal, or paper/rice paper. Glass lanterns are usually decorative and are used for holding candles or other decorations. Metal lanterns are mostly used for outdoors and may be suspended, placed on the ground, or hung from the branches of a tree.
Paper or rice paper lanterns are decorated with intricate cutouts and usually contain a light source, making them a popular choice for decorating. The history of the paper lantern dates back to ancient China, with its use to light homes, temples, and even streets.
Christmas lanterns can also be made from other materials such as plastic, fabric, or even wood.
What type of craft is a parol?
A parol is a type of paper craft originating in the Philippines. It is a Christmas decoration traditionally made out of paper, bamboo, and coloured cellophane that resembles a traditional five-pointed, star-shaped lantern.
The star symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is usually decorated with images of stars, suns, moon, and Filipino ornamental designs, with a candle lit inside the star.
Different provinces in the Philippines have different styles of parol, with one of the most popular styles coming from Pampanga. Traditionally, parols were made out of capiz shells, a type of bivalve mollusk, but nowadays they can be found in various materials such as paper and plastic.
The parol is one of the most popular symbols of Filipino culture and is made and displayed annually to celebrate the Christmas season.
How do you make large wire stars?
Making large wire stars is a fun project that can be used to add some decorative flair to any home, garden, or holiday décor. The materials need to make large wire stars are fairly simple and can be found at any hardware or craft store.
You will need two pieces of thick wire, some pliers, a snips, and a hammer.
First, you’ll want to create the stars basic shape. To do this, you will want to create five evenly spaced out bends using pliers. Start with about 12 inches of wire. Then make five bends in the wire, incrementally increasing the size of each bend.
Once you have your five bends, you can use a snips to cut off the excess wire and round off the ends.
Next, you can use the pliers to twist each arm of the star together. This will form the foundation of your wire star and give it a more stable shape. To further secure the main points of your star, use a hammer to lightly bend the wire around the joins.
Finally, you’ll want to give your star its final shape. To do this, use the pliers to slowly turn each of the points inward. This will give it the look of a traditional star shape. Once you are happy with its shape, you can use the hammer to further secure it in place.
Now you’ve created a large wire star for you to decorate with. You can use spray paint, ribbon, or fabric to give it a festively embellished look – or simply leave it plain for an elegant effect. Enjoy making your large wire stars and add a little sparkle to your home today!.
What are the Filipino Christmas stars called?
The Filipino Christmas stars are called para or parol, a type of Christmas lantern that is thought to have originated in the Philippines. Parols are traditionally made out of bamboo or other lightweight materials and are decorated with colorful tissue paper and other embellishments.
It is believed that the use of a parol during the holiday represents welcoming the hope and promise of good tidings that comes with Christmas. In the Philippines, parols are hung from the ceilings or balconies of homes, churches, or businesses to celebrate the Birth of Jesus.
Parols come in a variety of sizes and shapes, though the traditional parol has five points that represent the five wounds of Jesus Christ- two on the arms, two on the feet, and one on the side. The use of the parol is such an integral part of Christmas in the Philippines that villages and cities across the country come alive each December with colorful parol festivals.
There are parol making competitions, parol Lighting ceremonies, parol processions, and parol-themed concerts. The parol is also thought to bring good luck which is why they are still being used today.
What can you put inside a decorative lantern?
Decorative lanterns are a popular item for adding visual interest and soft lighting to both indoor and outdoor spaces. These items may include tea lights, small fairy lights, candles, flameless LED lights, small battery operated fans, or other objects like stones, shells, or potpourri.
Depending on the size and shape of the lantern, you can even add small potted plants, a single flower, or a larger bouquet of flowers to the arrangement. With careful arrangement, you can also use decorative items such as crystals, marbles, glass beads, and ribbon to create a unique look.
Experiment with different combinations to find the look that works best for your home.
What can you put in a lantern instead of a candle?
Instead of candles some people prefer to use battery powered LED lights in their lanterns. These battery powered lights, often referred to as “Fairy lights” or “String lights”, come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a great option for those looking to add a little bit of light to their decor.
They tend to be small, cool to the touch, and long-lasting, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. LED lights are available as individual strand lights or in a set with a base, allowing them to be hung or arranged as desired.
They come in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize your lantern according to your theme. Additionally, they are battery powered so they are really convenient and easy to use.
What kind of bulb goes in an outside light?
The kind of light bulb that goes in an outside light depends on the type of light fixture you have. If you have a recessed light in the ceiling, you typically need a floodlight, like an incandescent, halogen, or LED.
If you have a porch light or ceiling light fixture that hangs, you can use a variety of different bulb types, such as an LED globe bulb, floodlights, or filament bulbs in either incandescent or LED styles.
You can also get bulbs specifically designed for outdoor use, such as floodlights. If you are specifically looking for energy-efficient bulbs, LED lights are the best option as they use less power than incandescents or halogens.
What can I fill my lanterns with for Christmas?
There are a variety of things you can fill your lanterns with to give them a festive and unique look for Christmas. One of the most traditional items that is often used for Christmas lanterns is flameless candles.
Flickering flameless candles give off a soft light that will make the lanterns look festive, and the candles are very safe, so you can be sure that your lanterns will be secure. If you want to use something other than candles, you could also fill your lanterns with items like colorful holiday lights, decorative ornaments, vases full of cranberries and evergreen branches, sprigs of mistletoe, pinecones, candy canes, festive ribbons, gold and silver balls, or even artificial poinsettias.
Each of these items would add a special and unique look to the lanterns and really bring in some of the Christmas spirit into your home.
What are the things you need to make a Christmas parol?
Making a parol, or traditional star-shaped Filipino Christmas lantern, is a delightful holiday activity that can be shared with family or friends. You will need the following materials:
-Cardboard or foam board of your desired size – cardboard will be easier to work with but foam board will be more durable if the parol will be hung outside
-Printed or hand-drawn template of the parol’s star shape. You can create your own or get ready-made templates online
-Scissors and/or an X-Acto knife and cutting mat
-Ruler or straight edge
-Glue (hot glue will work best for plastic, fabric, and metal, while craft glue is best for paper)
-Tape
-Popsicle sticks, bamboo, or wooden dowels for frame
-Plastic, fabric, paper, and/or metal for decorations
-Colored ribbons to hang the parol
-String lights or LED lights, depending on how you want your parol to look
-Batteries for the lights
-Optional: a glue gun to secure decorations quickly and easily.