Friday, September 25, 2009

Litratong Pilipino: Palengke

The title literally means Philippine Photo/s: (the) Marketplace
Since the holidays are coming up, I'm taking the opportunity to showcase some of the products that are very much part of the Philippine tradition: the Christmas parols or Christmas lanterns. These are usually made of bamboo, crepe paper, and a candle inside (I don't know how it's done without burning the lantern). More sophisticated ones are made of shells from Capiz, a region in the Philippines known for its mother-of-pearl shells.
Parol comes from the Spanish word farol, which means lantern. Our intricate tradition owes much of its roots to 400 years of Spanish influence. Seldom will you see a Filipino household without at least one hanging parol by the window at Christmastime. It symbolizes the star that led the Three Wise Men to the manger where Jesus was born.

This is an example of Capiz-shell-made Christmas parol, for export. You bet it is expensive. But go to the Philippines and even kids will make you export-quality ones! LOL!

The guitar shows the Philippine flag. That's all for now, folks. Hope you enjoyed this one!

(photo source: hubpages.com)

26 comments:

Ebie said...

Wow, Cherie, you did well, by making Christmas too soon! Now I am homesick! Very pretty lanterns, and I wanted to bring one but was very difficult, anyway, they are also available in the Filipino stores here.

Jesusa said...

my mom hangs capiz parol every year:)

JennyMac said...

That guitar is fantastic!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful Cherie... The vivid colors are fabulous. I'm not sure though that I could keep my sanity IF we celebrated Christmas longer than we do now... HA HA.... Good Luck!
Hugs,
Betsy

Unknown said...

I love the mother of pearl lantern!

•°°• IcyBC •°°• said...

Wow..colorful and wonderful photos, Cherie! I love those lanterns!

rainfield61 said...

You have a few parols that look similar to mine over here, I mean the star shape parol.

Chinese used to have red lanterns during Chinese New Year, whole street that full the Reds is so gorgeous.

Droomvla said...

What about lanterns made of cartolina? An project mi san elementary ina. Pipadukotan pa sin cut outs from old Christmas cards. HAHAHAHAHAHA

happyone said...

The lanterns are so pretty and colorful, but it seems way to early to be thinking of Christmas already. :-)
Right after Thanksgiving is soon enough for me.

Anonymous said...

i really enjoyed this one. nakabili na kasi ako ng Capiz-shell-made parol the other day. di ko lang alam kung galing Capiz talaga iyon.

betchai said...

oh wow, it is already Christmas Che, thank you so much for bringing the message to us. lovely representative pictures.

rainfield61 said...

I shouted in my dream yesterday night and received a slap waking up by my wife.

I was kissed by ssssSSSSSSS. erggg....

Sol said...

krismasunon ka na talaga! amu, kadamu na display na parol maski diin didi now. other Christmas decors are now on display in stores. buying early is wise as prices are still cheaper than buying in December... Filipino custom indeed =D

Cherry said...

thanks for sharing the photos, Che! it brings back happy memories back home.

btw, my Christmas card is on the way. i hope you get to receive it this time. ;)

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Cherie, thanks for introducing me to your traditions at Christmas. It's been interesting and fun and your photos are good visuals!

Deborah Ann said...

Those lanterns are breathtaking! I'm starting to feel that old nostalgic Christmas feeling stirring my heart.

rjs mama said...

advance merry christmas :)

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Unknown said...

I have 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren so I quite literally need to think about next Christmas at the end of this one. lol

Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Those are gorgeous Cherie! I think I would have to find a way to have one of those no matter how expensive they are. Such a beautiful story too!

Thanks for sharing this. I am always thrilled to know more about the traditions of other cultures!

God bless my friend!

Elle Bee said...

Those are lovely lanterns. What a beautiful tradition to hang those.
elle

blessedmom said...

awwwww...na-miss ko tuloy Pasko sa Pinas! love the pics Mommy especially the second one..very colorful and pleasing to the eyes...parang gusto ko na tuloy magpatugtog ng Xmas songs :)

take care Mommy! musta na mga cute boys mo? take care :)

Stephanie Faris said...

Oh wow. Those are awesome! I'm ready for Christmas...although not the stress that comes with it!

cherie said...

My friends, I will write to you one by one later. I thank you dearly for all your comments.

RNSANE said...

These are absolutely beautiful. I would think that, with a candle inside, they might be a fire hazard. Can you also use lights?

Ayie said...

that's one thing i will miss here...no festive parols on christmas! how i wish i can goback home for the holidays but it's not too possible right now =( i cn't keep flying, need to be careful with baby

Cherie said...

i don't know how they do it, ms. carmen, fascinating, eh?

nakaka-miss nga, aying, e.

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