Parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration, a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern. Originally made of thin bamboo frames and covered with colored cellophane or with rice paper also known as Japanese paper or papel de Japon. It has two tails that serve as the rays of the star. Parol reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus.

Parol making is not only a Christmas symbol, it is a symbol of hope for lots of Parol makers. Parol making business is a source of income for lots of Filipinos. They make parol as early as June, a lot of them are sold in the market from October. Parol vendors can be found everywhere, you will see them on the side walks, bus stops, jeepney stops or even along the highway.

Parol has become the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos not just in the Philippines, but in any country where there is a Filipino community. Parol are sold overseas, these are usually made from capiz or shells and are intricately designed, these last longs and can be used every year. There are also Parol that are sold online.

- Parol is very common here in the Philippines when it's Christmas. You could see Parols in the office buildings, houses, schools, malls, streets and even on trees. When I was still in elementary, we were taught how to make it, and design something on our own and we will hang it in the school area. It's fun making it together with your schoolmates because you could interact with the designs and colors. There are really lots of Parol makers here in the Philippines. In my hometime, prisoners also make Parols and they sell it also to the market. They have it displayed outside their cell and when you look at them, it's really very nice, with different colors and designs. It's a good thing so that they could earn income as well as being productive rather than just do nothing at all. It's one of the project that the government has for them. I like watching Parols made out of capiz especially with different lights on it because it's very attractive. -