A parol is a star-shaped, folded paper lantern from the Philippines. Traditional versions of this paper craft also use bamboo, but the version I’m sharing with you today is made of paper and tape–a simple and gorgeous craft for the holiday season.

(Photo from WikiHow’s how-to crafting page)

A traditional parol speaks to hope and good faith in the Filipino community, and the star shape is a literal reference to the light that shone on Three Kings as they walked to Bethlehem. A parol is a symbol of victory, derived from the spanish farol, meaning “lantern.” In Counting Thyme, one of Thyme’s new friends introduces her to this papercraft tradition, and they bond over paper, scissors and tape–just the kind of activity I would have loved at eleven years old, and still love today.

A paper parol is made from six flat sheets of paper, which you fold individually into triangles, cut, and tape into place to make six star points. These cut and curled points are then stapled together to make a six-pointed star. One of the coolest things about a parol is how the twisted paper creates elaborate visual patterns from very simple steps. This is a craft you can do with children of any age!

For simple step-by-step directions on how to make a parol, click through to WikiHow’s directions.  If you’d prefer to watch a video, this WonderHowTo video is a great primer!

Happy holidays, everyone. May hope shine bright for you this season!