Christmas Symbols in the Philippines Essay Example

local customs with religious charm. The parol, which means light in Spanish, is the quintessential Christmas symbol for Filipinos. They hold the symbolism of light dear, with stars representing hope and a source of light.

Filipino Catholics were initially guided to churches at dawn for the Misa de Gallo by a light resembling that of a candle. This light was housed in a star-shaped paper lantern known as a parol. The parol, which is a native Filipino invention, is representative of the five-pointed star lantern that guided the Three Kings to baby Jesus lying in a manger, according to the Bible. Furthermore, the star symbolizes the Messiah himself. The Mexican Pinata inspired the parol, which originated at 14th-century Renaissance Italian festivals famous for festive decor hanging from windows.

The tradition of parols originated from Italy and was later adopted by Spain. Eventually, it made its way to Mexico and the Philippines where it became a common sight during the Christmas season. A local saying claims that no Filipino home is complete without a parol. In fact, it is rare to find a rural resident who cannot create a star lantern.

Highlighting the significance and importance of parols in Filipino Christmas, the simple parol has transformed into stunning designs and a colorful spectacle while maintaining its message of light. The panunuluyan is a Philippine version of Joseph and Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem, and it is typically performed on Christmas Eve before midnight mass. The tradition carries some hesitation, as the story's recurring rejections conflict with the renowned hospitality of Filipinos. This holiday custom originated from St.

The tradition of celebrating

the journey to Bethlehem was first introduced by Ignatius de Loyola in 1580. Later, St. John of the Cross presented a version of it in a pageant. Subsequently, it was introduced to Mexico by Spanish missionaries and named posadas (inn). Eventually, mariners on the Acapulco galleons incorporated it into local Christmas activities after landing in Cavite in the late 18th or early 19th century. Despite its popularity mostly in rural areas, the tradition still survives and is known as panunuluyan, meaning “looking for lodging”. Both live and statuary variations exist, though some cities have a combination of both.

During their journey, the Holy Couple stops at several inns and attempts to find lodging. However, they are met with rejection as the inns are full and there is no room for them. Despite this, some individuals offer them water or juice to drink and wrapped food to take with them on their journey. Eventually, they find refuge in a constructed cave with a manger or at a decorated corner of a church altar.

The Nativity scene marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations in the Philippines, with both western and native Christmas carols being sung joyously by the faithful. Though this tradition has waned in metropolitan cities in recent years, it still finds expression in school Christmas dramas and is occasionally sponsored by institutions to raise funds. The Misa de Aguinaldo, or gift mass, rings in the Holy Nativity and is considered the climax of Christmastide by Christian Filipinos across the archipelago. The words of the Christmas Gospel hold a special place in their hearts. All join together to sing praises before the glorious belen or creche, with

Baby Emmanuel in the manger. On the Noche Buena or midnight repast, everyone stays awake, in accordance with the ancient custom that dictates that from the head of the house to the youngest toddler, all should remain awake on Christmas Eve.

One of the most beautiful traditions practiced by Filipino families is the BelenBelen. The BelenBelen, named after the Spanish word Bethlehem, is a Nativity scene that symbolizes the reunion of family members. It is considered to be one of the oldest Christmas symbols in the Philippines and originated in Italy, created by St. Francis of Assisi, complete with live donkeys and oxen. This tradition traveled from Spain to Mexico before finally arriving in the Philippines during the 1700s.

In the Hispanic era, cathedrals and churches were adorned with belens consisting of life-sized statues of the Infant Jesus, the Blessed Mother Mary, and St. Joseph alongside shepherds, peasants, kings, angels, and farm animals. However, as Christmas is greatly cherished by Filipinos, the belen eventually became a fixture in the households of followers.

During the Pasko season, the belen can now be seen in various places beyond just churches or homes. It can be spotted in shopping malls, boutiques, hotel lobbies, restaurants, police stations, parks, sidewalks, building facades, and even transportation like taxis, buses and jeepneys. Overall, the presence of the belen reflects the unwavering religious fervor and faith of Filipinos.