Why are some parol in Pampanga shaped like fishes? Kuya Kim answers

Christmas lanterns shaped like stars are commonly seen all over the Philippines, but those inspired by fishes? Only in Pampanga.

On Wednesday’s “24 Oras,” Kuya Kim said these lanterns known as asan parol were shaped like fish which symbolized abundance and God Himself.

The fish design is based on the ichthus, a word with Greek origins that signifies “Jesus Christ is son of God, Savior.”

Made of paper, the asan parol has scales, lights up from inside, and its mouth and tail are movable.

Renato Calma, who’s been making fish lanterns since 1998, said it usually took him over a month to finish one asan parol.

According to historian Lucio Sison, the asan parol are paraded together with star and cross lanterns during Simbang Gabi or the nine-day novena Mass before Christmas.

Also seen in Pampanga are giant monster-like puppets called majigangga, which represent sins and evil.

“Sa 24th ng gabi, itatakwil sila ng mga tao. Ang ibig sabihin ay ang pagsilang kay Kristo ay magpapatatalsik sa lahat ng kasalanan at kasamaan sa mundo,” said Robby Tantingco, director of Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies.

It’s no wonder various kinds of Christmas lanterns could be found in Pampanga, where some of the first parol originated.

Kapuso, there are only three days left before Christmas! – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News