Filipino Christmas is never complete without parol displayed in homes, public spaces, and streets. It’s the iconic staple epitomizing our inherent values, time-honored traditions, and cultural identity. While traditional designs beautifully capture these qualities, contemporary interpretations offer a fresh perspective to honor them. So, here are some of the modern parol ideas to bring a touch of Filipino heritage with sophistication into your home this Christmas.
Retaining the conventional five-pointed star structure, Millie Monday’s handmade modern parol combines eco-consciousness with elegance. Its sustainably sourced materials feature artwork by illustrator, graphic designer, and Studio Mia founder Mia de Lara. With no other prominent design elements, it allows the paper’s designs to define the item’s simple and refined aesthetic.
You can choose among the Sapphire, Ruby, and Jade options, carrying identical nature-inspired artwork in different colors. There’s also the white Vigan parol, portraying the rich culture of the place it’s named after.
At 17.5 x 30 x 3 inches, it makes the ideal display to draw attention and add holiday cheer anywhere in your home.
Taking a similar classic star design, Rustan’s Lizzie Star Parol embodies a native Filipino Christmas vibe but with a more contemporary approach. This artisanal parol features an exposed bamboo frame wrapped in earthy abaca sinamay, accented with stitched abaca tails, bringing a rustic charm to your holiday decor.
The traditional handwoven textile’s raw and natural texture gives it a unique and modern edge. Moreover, this durable material also makes it a perfect addition for both indoors and outdoors.
You can find them in green, red, and blue variants available in 12, 16, and 20-inch dimensions.
Similar to the Lizzie Parol, Designer Vania Romoff’s Piña Parol also highlights indigenous materials as its prime component.
It’s made of the typical bamboo skeleton but with handcrafted ruffles and grosgrain ribbons woven from locally-sourced pineapple fibers. This makes it a stunning and exquisite piece that still evokes the spirit of a Filipino Christmas.
Measuring between 12 and 18 inches, this delicate version can bring a touch of refinement and femininity into your home.
If you’re looking for something nostalgic but with a contemporary twist, Parol PH’s Esperanza Parol has you covered. This electric version features 100% locally sourced, export-quality Capiz shells that gently diffuse light, creating a warm, soft glow ideal for a cozy and festive atmosphere this season.
Unlike with the previous examples, this parol has multiple layers of pentagrams that gives it a complex yet ornate dimension and depth. While it employs the same classic parol materials, its intricate details and modern lighting techniques separates it from the rest.
With a 20-inch diameter, it makes an ideal centerpiece for your Christmas decor.
For an authentic traditional feel but glamorous modern appeal, why not go straight to the Christmas Capital of the Philippines? This Poinsettia LED Parol is handproduced by one of the longstanding parol makers in San Fernando, Pampanga, Rolren’s Lantern And General Merchandise.
But instead of adopting the flower’s original red and green colors, it’s designed with white Capiz shells and a gold-coated frame. This gives the parol an elegant new look despite keeping the conventional five-pointed design and halo.
Different from the Esperanza Parol, it uses LED flex lights instead of bulbs to create a cleaner and even illumination across its 30-inch diameter.
The parol is a true symbol of Filipino Christmas, illuminating our homes and communities for generations. As times change, so too does our interpretation of this iconic symbol. These modern parol decor ideas aren’t something to shy away from. Instead, they are the harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, allowing us to celebrate our heritage in a fresh and stylish way.
Photos courtesy of featured shops.
Read more: Editor’s Crate and Barrel Christmas Decor Picks to Deck the Halls in Style
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