Where to Find A Modern Parol While Living Abroad

When we were living in Berlin, we wanted to hang a Parol. It’s a very iconic Filipino symbol for Christmas!

A parol (/pɑːˈroʊl/) is a Filipino ornamental lantern that is typically displayed during the Christmas season. Traditionally constructed using bamboo and Japanese paper, modern parols have been made using other materials such as plastic, metal, and capiz shells. Its most common form is a five-pointed star, although it can come in various shapes and sizes. The parol evokes the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Three Kings to the nativity of Jesus. It is an iconic symbol of Filipino Christmas.
WIKIPEDIA

We found the stråla star lamp in IKEA which is very affordable and can be used as a table lamp with it’s tall lamp stand or hung from the ceiling using their cord set with LED bulb. You can hang them from a balcony ceiling or ceiling beside a window, which is super typical for our Christmas Parols.

What we got when we were in Berlin was a white – then later a gold – version which had a stand. We love it so much we still put it up every Christmas because we are hesitant to get a capiz parol since it might just break during shipping. These IKEA stråla stars store flat.

STRÅLA Lamp shade in white dotted 28″

STRÅLA Lamp shade in white lace 28″

STRÅLA Lamp shade in white lace 19″

STRÅLA Lamp shade 3D white dotted 26″

STRÅLA Lamp shade, 3D/dotted white, 26 "

STRÅLA Lamp shade in snowflakes 22″

Of the new styles, these are my favorites because they are so modern:

Simple 5-pointed Polkadot
3D Polkadot
Snowflakes

On our very first Christmas in Berlin in 2013 it was clumsily hung by the window without any light. You can see it below. But for us Filipinos overseas this simple star was a triumph because we still had a parol no matter where we were!

READ: WHAT CHRISTMAS WAS LIKE IN BERLIN

STRÅLA IN RED

These days they also have a design that has some red in it. Though you all know red is the color I am least attracted to, this might be a great addition to your home if you have red as part of your Christmas color theme. My theme is always the same every Christmas to simplify my life: White & Gold. They are also my 2 favorite colors.