We could not be more thrilled for our families that have already been matched with beautiful waiting children from the Philippines! To help these families get a head start on celebrating the customs of the Philippines, we would like to introduce some of the holiday traditions embraced by the Filipino culture.
While there are many holidays of significance in the Philippines, Christmas holds a special place in the hearts and traditions of Filipinos. In fact, it is not unusual for signs of Christmas cheer to arrive as early as September in the Philippines.
Beginning December 16th the Philippines, a predominately Catholic country, begins a 9 day period of dawn masses. In some areas, mass begins as early as 4 am! The early timeframe is meant to show devotion and faith, while many also believe that God will reward their devotion with a special wish or favor. Celebration continues until the first Sunday of the New Year, known as the Feast of the Three Kings.
What Christmas tradition would be complete without food? Mass is often followed by Christmas delicacies such as puto bumbong, a sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes and salabat (ginger tea) or tsokolate (cocoa). Christmas officially arrives at midnight on December 24th, when Filipino families dine together at Noche Buena – the Christmas Eve feast.
One of the most beloved Christmas traditions is the parol (pah-rohl). This star shaped lantern adorns homes and businesses throughout the Philippines. They are meant to represent the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Three Wise Men (Three Kings) to the nativity. While traditionally made of bamboo and lacquered paper, parols can be made of any material and often contain brightly colored lights. To celebrate the season, we have included instructions here on how to make your own Christmas parol.
We hope you will consider sharing this Christmas tradition with your family. If you have a place in your heart for a child from the Philippines, visit our website at www.childrenofallnations.com and then give us a call to begin the adoption process!
Make Your Own Parol!
(Instructions from http://www.myparol.com)
A. Gather the Materials
The kit includes:
- 10 Flat bamboo sticks
- 5 short bamboo posts
- String
- 3 sheets Japanese paper
You will need:
- Scissors
- Glue or paste
B. Make the Frame
Step 1: Make a V-shape with four sticks. Place the ends of 2 sticks with smooth sides up, over 2 sticks with smooth sides down and tie them with 8 turns of string, 1/2 inch from the ends. Form a "V" by separating 2 sticks having opposite sides.
Step 2: Insert 2 sticks to the "V", overlapping as shown, and then tie with 8 turns of string at joint 2.
SteStep 3: Insert 2 sticks between joints 1 & 2, overlapping sticks as shown, then tie at joint 3. 2: Insert 2 sticks to the "V", overlapping as shown, and then tie with 8 turns of string at joint 2.
Step 4: Between joints 1&2, insert two sticks, again in overlapping pattern. Now tie the ends at joints 4 & 5.
Step 5: Align the frame to make a symmetrical five-sided star.
Step 6: Insert the posts at five points by pulling apart the star frame. Tying with string is not needed as the tension of the frame will hold the posts in place.
C. Decorate Your Parol
Congratulations! You now have a nice frame, so its time to decorate! First, select the colors for the sides, the front and back, and the tassels. Then cut triangular pieces of rice paper, apply paste to the frame and attach the paper. Cut the excess paper. Do the same for the front and back pentagons at the center.
You can make 2 or 4 tassels; put a decorated ring around the parol, or use lights.
