Christmas Countdown: "Parol"

It's five days before Christmas and '5' reminds me of the common number of tips the parol has. The parol is a star-shaped lantern used as a decoration in homes, buildings, electric posts, trees, and other high structures in the Philippines during the Christmas season.

A stylized picture of a parol parade somewhere in Bulacan

The parol represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. A wide array of materials is used in making the parol, ranging from bamboo and Japanese paper to capiz shells. As time went by, the parol evolved to giant electronic lanterns, for which the City of San Fernando in the Philippine province of Pampanga became famous.

Another picture of the aforementioned parade