The Christmas spirit in the Philippines is a unique blend of cultural richness and festive joy. Dive into the world of Christmas Decoration in the Philippines, where each ornament tells a story, and every corner is adorned with the season’s warmth.
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Christmas Decoration in the Philippines
Like most of the world, Filipinos celebrate Christmas by adding a Christmas tree to their home. However, unlike those in the U.S. who put their tree up after Thanksgiving at the earliest, many Christmas trees in the Philippines are up and decorated in September or October.
Christmas decorations in the Philippines range from simple parol to outrageous light installations. The park outside of Davao City Hall transforms into a spectacle of lights and sounds as part of Pasko Fiesta. The festivities include nightly entertainment, fun rides for all ages, and street food for sale.
1. Christmas lantern
Christmas lanterns, also known as parol in the Philippines, are placed outside Filipino houses. While bamboo sticks, crepe paper, and Japanese rice paper are the usual materials for making a star-shaped Christmas lantern, some people use their inventive designs to create a parol out of ostentatious materials that glow in the dark.
2. Christmas lights
The arrival of lights indicates the beginning of the Christmas season, whether they are shining outside houses or even throughout the town. To brighten the evening, they are also adorned around Christmas trees.
3. Belen
Belen is typically positioned beneath a Christmas tree or on a table. Because it is a small replica of how Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem, it is reportedly one of the highlights for Catholic families. The three wise men with their gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense, along with infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and of course them, make up the Belen.
4. Gifts
Gifts are arranged under a Christmas tree or on a table, just like the Belen. We all agree that the many colors of the gift wrapping heighten the feeling of the holiday season, even though sometimes they are only empty boxes placed for aesthetic purposes.
5. Christmas tree
Every Filipino home has to have a Christmas tree. Christmas balls, garlands, lights, and an angel or star perched on it are used to decorate it. Additionally, some Filipinos decorate it with a variety of ornaments, such as candy canes, bells, poinsettias, and other seasonal motifs, depending on the look they wish to achieve.
6. Garland
Garland decoration in the Philippines holds great significance during the Christmas season. Garlands, often made of intertwined evergreen branches or artificial materials, are adorned with bright lights, ornaments, and ribbons. These decorative elements are commonly displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces, adding a festive touch to the surroundings. In the Philippines, garlands are often crafted with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating local elements like flowers, shells, or indigenous materials. The garland decorations symbolize joy, hope, and the warm spirit of Christmas celebrated throughout the country.
7. Santa Claus
As one of the most recognizable holiday icons, Santa Claus is a fixture in many Filipino homes. Whether it’s a life-sized Santa, a billboard, or a figure, kids can’t get enough of this persona.
Conclusion
The Philippines has colourful, joyous Christmas decorations that are intricately linked to the nation’s customs and culture. Filipinos decorate their houses, streets, and public areas with extravagant light displays, lanterns (parols), and vibrant ornaments to celebrate the Christmas season. The decorations frequently include indigenous materials like bamboo, capiz shells, and native textiles in addition to typical symbols like the nativity scene, angels, and stars.
One of the longest Christmas seasons is recognized to have originated in the Philippines, where celebrations begin as early as September. The nation as a whole is filled with warmth and excitement as the spirit of Christmas is fully embraced.
