In celebration of the holiday season, craftsman Lito Asuncion returns to the Lyman Museum to present a workshop on the making of the parol, a Filipino star-shaped Christmas lantern that is illuminated and hung outside homes in many parts of the world.

The origins of the parol can be found in the Mexican pinata. The pinata came to Spain from Italy in the 1300s, spread to Mexico and finally came to the Philippines when Spaniards brought Christianity to the islands. The earliest parol traditionally were made from simple materials such as bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper and a candle or coconut oil lamp for illumination.

The present-day parol can take many different shapes and forms but is still a recognizable symbol to many Filipinos and represents the Star of Bethlehem. For Filipinos in many areas, making a parol, decorating it and lighting the lantern is an expression of shared faith and hope.

Asuncion’s workshop will be offered from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 25. The cost is $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers, with all materials provided. To register and reserve your spot in advance, call the museum at 935-5021, ext. 101, by Nov. 22.

In celebration of the holiday season, craftsman Lito Asuncion returns to the Lyman Museum to present a workshop on the making of the parol, a Filipino star-shaped Christmas lantern that is illuminated and hung outside homes in many parts of the world.

The origins of the parol can be found in the Mexican pinata. The pinata came to Spain from Italy in the 1300s, spread to Mexico and finally came to the Philippines when Spaniards brought Christianity to the islands. The earliest parol traditionally were made from simple materials such as bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper and a candle or coconut oil lamp for illumination.

The present-day parol can take many different shapes and forms but is still a recognizable symbol to many Filipinos and represents the Star of Bethlehem. For Filipinos in many areas, making a parol, decorating it and lighting the lantern is an expression of shared faith and hope.

Asuncion’s workshop will be offered from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 25. The cost is $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers, with all materials provided. To register and reserve your spot in advance, call the museum at 935-5021, ext. 101, by Nov. 22.