In celebration of the holiday season, Lito Asuncion returns to the Lyman Museum to present a workshop on the parol, a Filipino star-shaped Christmas lantern.
In celebration of the holiday season, Lito Asuncion returns to the Lyman Museum to present a workshop on the parol, a Filipino star-shaped Christmas lantern.
The origins of the parol are found in the Mexican pinata. The pinata came to Spain from Italy in the 1300s, spread to Mexico and finally to the Philippines when Spaniards brought Christianity to the islands.
The earliest parol were traditionally made from simple materials such as bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper and a candle or coconut oil lamp for illumination. The present-day parol can be made of various materials, but is still a recognizable symbol of the Star of Bethlehem among the Filipino community.
For many Filipinos, making and lighting a parol each Christmas is an expression of shared faith and hope.
Members and visitors are invited to create their own parol from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Lyman Museum. The workshop costs $10 for museum members and $15 for nonmembers. All materials are included. Registration is required by Nov. 12.
To register or for more information about the Lyman Museum, call 935-5021, ext. 101, or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.