Long before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, parols were used in the Philippines to help light the way for fishermen on the ocean.
Their creation has since become a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition that was recently passed along to families at a fundraising workshop on Nov. 16.
"The goal was to teach our younger generation the history of the Philippine lantern and how to make them," explains Mila Prout, president of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA), "because back home growing up, that's very exciting. It's the spirit of Christmas; it's our tradition."
Originally, the parols were made with durable bamboo, but as time went on, they became ornamental.
"The streets of the Philippines are all covered starting in September, up to January," she says.
Love Dizon, a representative of missionsPH, was leading the session with the help of others.
The lantern begins with the shape of the Star of Bethlehem, lights are added, then colourful decorative materials are added to make each lantern a unique creation.
"You definitely invest a lot of time and love," says Dizon. "And hopefully no burnt fingers in the process," she adds with a chuckle.
"It has a Christian historical story behind it," she explains. "Today many people now make fancy ones covered with seashells and lights that dance with the music, but this is the authentic original style."
She says their faith-based organization tells the original story for those making the lanterns.
"Whether you're a Christian or not, it's good to know the history of the things we do and the things we see."
The lanterns cost participants $15, $10 of which went to missionsPH and $5 to the Cochrane Pregnancy Centre.
