Capiz Shell Christmas Lanterns Adorn Philippine Consulate (Philippine Center) Window

The Christmas window display at the Philippine Consulate (Philippine Center) on Fifth Avenue feature Philippine Christmas lanterns made of beautiful capiz shells from San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. The other window showcases holiday pieces made from natural materials including coconut, abaca, raffia, and shells. Capiz shell is a flat, semi-transparent shell with a pearlescent appearance. Capiz is often used to create lampshades or other luminescent objects, such as candle holders, because of its striking appearance when light shines through. However, it is just as common to see the bases of lamps crafted with capiz shell. Capiz is also frequently used as an accent to many household and fashion accessories. The Philippine Consulate is located at 556 Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets.

STARS OF HOPE ON FIFTH - Capiz Shell Christmas Lantern (Parol) Display at the Philippine Center

To welcome the holidays with hope, faith and optimism in true Filipino tradition, the Philippine Consulate on Fifth Avenue launched yesterday the "STARS OF HOPE ON FIFTH," a dazzling Christmas window display. Conceptualized by Filipino-American designer BRIAN TENORIO, the project features Philippine capiz-shell lanterns (parols), the iconic symbol of a Filipino Christmas. The "parol" represents the star of Bethlehem, and is hung to welcome visitors into every home. Capiz is the outer shell of the marine mollusk, Placuna placenta, found in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippines. The flat, translucent shell is used for a variety of decorative items. The Philippine Center, located at 556 Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets, is adorned with lanterns owned by the Center, as well as colorful pieces loaned by members of the Filipino community. The pretty holiday lanterns will be lit every evening until January 8.

PAROL, Philippine Christmas Lanterns

The traditional Philippine lanterns called PAROL adorn the Philipine Center on Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets. The term "parol" is derived from the Spanish word "farol" which means lantern.

From wikipedia:

Parols are ornamental star-like Christmas lanterns from the Philippines. They are traditionally made out of bamboo and paper and comes in various sizes, shapes and designs, however its star-shape façade and basic design remains dominant. Its shape is said to be inspired by the star on the Nativity of Jesus that guided the Magi to the manger. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season. The Parol, technically called Philippine Christmas lantern, was adapted from the Chinese lantern and the Mexican piñata to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Patterns of the parol evolved from the five-pointed star-shaped paper lantern that was crafted by an artisan named Francisco Estanislao in 1928. His creation was made of bamboo strips pasted with papel de japon (Japanese paper), illuminated by a candle or kalburo (carbide). This kind of lighting was adapted by barrio folks to light their paths during an annual ritual dawn Mass called Misa de Gallo, due to electricity being unavailable at the time.