Republic of the Philippines - Stamps & Postal History

RP Issues of 2016

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2016, November 25.  Christmas 2016 - Star Lanterns (Parol)

Litho Offset, With Spot Lamination

Amstar Company, Inc.,  Perf 14

Se-tenant Blocks of 4,  Miniature Sheets of 16

                    

              

 

 

 

Se-tenant Blocks Four  (25,250)

12p  Star Lantern (Red)

17p  Star Lantern (Green)

17p  Star Lantern (Green)

12p  Star Lantern (Red)

 

Miniature Sheets of 16  (6,312.5)

 

Designer:  Aimee Cabingao

 

 

First Day Covers:  Manila

    

                 


 

CHRISTMAS 2016 Featuring Star Lanterns

The star-shaped Christmas lantern known locally as "Parol" is now on postage stamps.

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released special “Parol” stamps featuring one of the most iconic symbols of Filipino Christmas spirit and goodwill.

The “lantern stamps” features a special spot lamination which is different from other regular postage stamps. The Christmas color of red, white, and green reflects the Filipino Christmas celebration which is colorful, lively and full of bright lights.

Traditionally, the Parol (lanterns) have a star-shaped framework made of bamboo sticks which are then covered by colored pieces of either Japanese or crepe paper. The most common form is a five-pointed star with two decorative “tails”. 

Parol is a representation of the star of Bethlehem that was used by the Biblical Magi as marker of the birth place of the baby Jesus.

The star-shaped lanterns are displayed hanging outside the house, along the busy streets and small villages. This kind of lantern was used by barrio folk to light their paths during the ritual yuletide dawn Masses called Misa de Gallo.

Recently, innovations from Pampanga Province include production of lanterns with electronic lights that can be programmed to produce a dancing effect, using LED rope lights, known as “flexilight” lanterns. 

 

TOPICAL CATEGORIES

 

  • Christmas

 

Articles by Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak

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Issues of 2016