Pinoy Christmas Symbols

Now that we know that Christmas in the Philippines has earned its distinction to be the world's longest Christmas Season. As part of the celebration, the Filipinos used some symbols that are uniquely and proudly Pinoy.

PAROL (Christmas Lantern)

During Christmas season, Filipinos decorate their house and workplace with beautiful star lanterns called parol. These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three Wise Men or 3 Kings in finding the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem.

Aside from the traditional Christmas lanterns that we see, Filipinos was able to create an annual Lantern Festival. This is the Giant lantern Festival of San Fernando, Pampanga, which is also known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. Old folks say that the first lantern festival was held in 1928, to honor President Manuel L. Quezon, who was made an adopted son of Pampanga.

Today, the Celebration is a major tourist attraction for the province and considered as one of the major events for tourism in the country during December. Related post from Byahilo


BELEN (Nativity Scene)

Another typical Filipino Christmas symbol is the Belen - a tableau or graphic representation of the Nativity scene. During Christmas season, you can see different versions of the Belen at malls, office buildings, churches and homes. The largest Belen are said to be found in Tarlac, where they hold the annual Belenismo festival.