Philippines is ideally located in Southeast Asia and is known to be the “land of all fiestas“. Out of all fiestas there is on a Philippine calendar, Christmas outshines them all. There may not be any winter snow fall on Philippine soil or swaying pine trees which may better complement the Christmas party mood. Yet, Christmas in Philippines is worth waiting for. Christmas is a national holiday and is observed with utmost love and passion by Filipinos. As early as September, colorful displays and decorations adorn homes and commercial establishments. Undoubtedly, decorations play an important part in the celebration of Christmas in Philippines. The striking, vibrant and elaborate Filipino Christmas decorations emphasize Filipino Christmas as an event of sheer merrymaking.
Filipinos find joy in decorating their homes with star lanterns or “parol” along with all sorts of colorful Christmas decors. Filipinos often choose wreaths and other decors made out of local native materials as opposed to those decors of Western designs. Brightly colored streamers are hung inside and out of homes. Christmas cards show scenes Filipino culture-inspired. These cards are then displayed in the living room for all to see and enjoy. Multi-colored Christmas lights beam in each homes and shops. It never seems to be a surprise to see decorated homes and shops for the Christmas holidays as early as September.
Filipinos adorn their homes with “parol” or Christmas lanterns. It is made of bamboo and thin sheets of paper. Parol stands as a symbol of Christmas in the Philippines. It represents the guiding light or star of Bethlehem. They are usually lighten up at night to emit an unparalleled warmth among decorations uniquely Filipino. Modern parols are innovated with capiz or seashells with attached dancing lights originating from Pampanga. Some modern parols also utilize recycled materials such as used newspapers made colorful with dyes, colored plastic and foils.
The “Belen” or nativity scene is shown as miniatures to commemorate the day when Mother Mary bore baby Jesus to the world. It is either cut from card boards or made of ceramics. Other versions of Belen can be as big as a life-sized decoration complete with colorful lights of red, green or yellow.
Christmas in Philippines is made alive with brilliant and flamboyant thanks to unique Filipino decorations. The Christmas decors represent a time to celebrate life itself and to gather hopes for a new beginning. Most of all, it symbolizes the birth of our Savior and how wonderful life is as a gift given to us, having greater joy and meaning when Christmas is spent with families and friends bounded by love.
