One of the most iconic symbols of the Filipino Christmas spirit, is the Christmas lantern or locally known as "PAROL". Filipinos traditionally hang the Parol outside the house as a representation of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of the newly born Jesus Christ. The origin of Parol can be traced back during the Spanish era in the Philippines, when the Spaniards brought Christianity to the islands. Parols were initially used to light the way to church to faithfully attend the 9-day Simbang Gabi or Misas de Aguinaldo, which begin on the 16th of December, a devotion for petition of special favors. After coming home from hearing the mass, instead of putting away the lantern somewhere else, people would hang it outside the house.
May it be a parol with simple or intricate designs, for Filipinos it is an expression of shared faith and hope. It also symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and Filipinos’ goodwill during Christmas season.
Our handknit version with pompoms and tassels is a unique take on this Filipino tradition - hand them on your tree or around the house during the holiday season. (We have a big Parol Pillow version too!).
The ornaments come in 2 sizes - the small parol is approximately 4 inches wide/tall, while the big one is approximately 6 inches wide/tall (tassel length not included). Do remember, that each hand knit item is unique and sizes may vary slightly.
Hand knit with love by a mama who also plants rice in the rice terraces (take a look at the P20 bill to see what they look like).
Knitting Expedition was begun as a way to provide supplementary income for the women of Ifugao to maintain the rice terraces. Instead of leaving the region to find better paying jobs, the income from the sales of the products allows them to stay in their ancestral lands and continue their traditions of rice terrace farming. The rice terraces in Ifugao are not only an awe-inspiring legacy of their village, but also of the Philippines, and has provided sustenance for generations of their families. The brand Knitting Expedition also signifies the journey of founders, Candy and Aueeie, as knitters and the distance that the hand-knit products have to travel to make it to your homes.
