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A Chinese red lantern is a traditional decorative lantern originating from Chinese culture. Typically made of red-colored paper or silk, these lanterns are often round or cylindrical in shape. They feature intricate designs and may be adorned with symbols, calligraphy, or images that hold cultural significance. Chinese red lanterns are commonly associated with celebrations, festivals, and important events. They are often hung in clusters, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The color red is particularly symbolic in Chinese culture, representing good luck, joy, and prosperity. Chinese red lanterns are an iconic and visually striking element of traditional Chinese celebrations and ceremonies.

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Spreading awareness in relation to cultural heritage involves educating and informing individuals and communities about the significance, value, and preservation of their cultural traditions, artifacts, and practices.

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The "parol" is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern. It is a symbol of the festive season in the Philippines and is prominently displayed during the Christmas holidays. Typically made of bamboo and paper, the parol is crafted in the shape of a five-pointed star with colorful designs and often illuminated from within. It represents the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the way for the biblical Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The parol has become a cherished and iconic Christmas decoration in Filipino culture, symbolizing hope, light, and the spirit of the season.

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Original Pilipino Music (OPM) refers to the body of music created by Filipino musicians in the Philippines or abroad. It encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including traditional folk music, contemporary pop, rock, hip-hop, and other styles. OPM reflects the cultural diversity of the Philippines and often incorporates local languages and themes into its lyrics. The term is used to promote and celebrate Filipino musical identity and creativity, encouraging the production and appreciation of music that is distinctly Filipino. OPM has played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural landscape and continues to be an important part of the Filipino music scene.

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Hello! I am Roque Gomez of 10F and this is my Heritage ConXServation Project where I will educate you on the importance of Cultural Heritage. Cultural heritage is like a treasure chest of stories and traditions passed down from our ancestors. It's the special things that make a community who they are, from the old buildings to the songs, stories, and customs that have been part of life for a long time.

In this photo essay, I'm going to explore what cultural heritage is all about both the things we can touch, like historic places, and the things we feel, like the traditions that make us unique. Let's take a journey to understand why cultural heritage matters and how it connects us to our past, helping us appreciate the wonderful mix of customs that shape our world.

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EVALUATE the impact of globalization and other forces like modernization on cultural heritage.

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EVALUATE the impact of globalization and other forces like modernization on cultural heritage.

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The impact of globalization has both have both positive and negative effects on cultural heritage. Globalization, on the one hand, makes it easier for cultural ideas to be shared and makes the world a smaller place. However, as local cultures are increasingly shaped by international standards, it also presents a threat to their distinctiveness. Similarly, modernization can contribute to the preservation of cultural practices but can also cause the erosion of traditional values and practices due to its changes in societal structures and technological advancements. The preservation of diverse cultural identities in the face of homogenizing trends requires careful navigation of these forces, even though they present opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and cultural enrichment. Maintaining and advancing local customs while balancing the advantages of international trade is essential for the sustainable coexistence of cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. OPM is crucial for preserving and expressing the cultural identity of the Philippines, serving as a powerful way of expressing the experiences of the Filipino People.

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As Xaverians, DISCUSS how you can contribute to promoting the preservation of cultural heritage. 

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As Xaverians, DISCUSS how you can contribute to promoting the preservation of cultural heritage. 

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As a Xavierian, I can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage in various ways. I can begin by researching and learning about my own cultural heritage and community traditions. I can actively participate in cultural events, festivals, and workshops, supporting initiatives that celebrate traditional arts and practices. I can like and share social media post regarding cultural inclusivity and create art or media that reflects and promotes the importance of preserving cultural identity. Volunteering for projects focused on cultural preservation, engaging with local museums or heritage sites, and using social media to raise awareness about the significance of preserving traditions are actions I can take. I also aim to support indigenous communities, attend their events, and encourage open dialogues within my peer group about diverse cultural backgrounds. Each small action I take contributes to fostering a more culturally rich and diverse society.

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EXPLAIN the importance of cultural heritage in identity formation and development.

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EXPLAIN the importance of cultural heritage in identity formation and development.

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The importance of cultural heritage, exemplified by the intricate tapestry of Chinese-Filipino traditions, finds a compelling symbol in the Chinese red lantern. Similar to how a lantern lights up the night, cultural legacy acts as a lighthouse, illuminating the origins and common stories of the Chinese-Filipino community. The red lantern embodies the merging of Chinese creative expression within the Filipino environment with its vivid hue and intricate decorations. It represents a vibrant link to the past, illuminating the historical accounts, traditions, and ideals that characterize this particular heritage. Cultural history serves as a source of pride and celebration for the community, promoting a sense of cohesion and belonging, just like the lantern is an eternal symbol of joy and festivity. Similar to how a lantern sways in the wind, symbolizing resilience, cultural legacy also acts as a resilient force that endures through time. Because of its cultural significance, the Chinese red lantern takes on a visual depiction of the dynamic story that cultural heritage imparts, one that intertwines the past, present, and future and illuminates the Chinese-Filipino community's identity. Similar to cherishing the red lantern, people who embrace and preserve their cultural history bring richness and diversity to the wider cultural landscape as well as to their own sense of self. This is how the Philippines' collective tapestry is made.

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In summary, cultural heritage is like a collection of stories, traditions, and shared history that makes each community and person unique. As the world changes, it's important to protect and appreciate these diverse expressions. Preserving cultural heritage isn't just about saving things from the past; it's about understanding, celebrating differences, and making sure each community's special stories and practices continue. By doing this, we contribute to a world where respect for different traditions brings people together. It's a shared responsibility to value, learn from, and pass on the cultural treasures that make our global community richer.

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https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/lanterns

(N.d.).

Retrieved from Philippine parol. GLOMADO. (n.d.). https://www.glomado.com/workshop/philippineparol#:~:text=Description,in%20search%20of%20Baby%20Jesus.

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In ancient China, Chinese lanterns were used to provide light and as aspects of worship. Today, they are used only for decoration and as modern forms of celebration and worship. Lanterns have become a symbol of national pride in China and are used to decorate homes and public places.

The most common Chinese lanterns are red, oval/round, and decorated with red or golden tassels. They also come in many different shapes, including cubes, cuboids, and cylinders.

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Chinese Red Lanterns

The History of Chinese Lanterns

Chinse paper lanterns originated during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), when they were used as lamp shades or covers in ancient China.

At first, paper lanterns were used to worship Buddha in temples. Mingdi (reign 57-75 AD), the Eastern Han emperor who is credited with Buddhism's early spread in China, ordered the people of the imperial palace to light lanterns to worship Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which later became the Lantern Festival.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), people began to use paper lanterns more secularly to celebrate their peaceful life and the power of their country, which made lanterns more and more popular throughout China.

Different Shapes of Lanterns

Features of Chinese Lanterns

In ancient China, the art of making lanterns was a collection of crafts, including Chinese painting, paper-cutting, and needlework. The materials used for lantern frames include bamboo, wood, wheat straw, and metal. Paper and silk are traditionally the major materials. Popular illustrations on lanterns include landscapes, portraits of great people, dragon and phoenix designs, birds, and fish.

Types of Ancient Chinese Lanterns

There are three main ancient types of lanterns: the palace lantern, gauze lantern, and the shadow-picture lantern. The palace lantern was the most-used type.

Dragon-and-phoenix patterns were the main elements on palace lanterns, which represented royal status or upper class society. Dragons were seen as the symbol of emperors in ancient China. They carried the meaning of wisdom, prosperity, great power, and strength. Lanterns decorated with dragons could only be used in royal family premises in ancient China.

Types of Chinese Lanterns

Beautiful mountain or river illustrations on red lanterns expressed (wishes for) harmony and balance in nature, the elements, or families.

Riddle lanterns hanging on gates with riddles written on them were used to welcome guests, who liked to guess the answers to the riddles.

Meanings of Chinese Lantern Colors

In Chinese culture, the colors of lanterns express different meanings. They are used for different occasions.

Red Lanterns

Red paper lanterns are symbols of wealth, fame, and prosperity. Red lanterns are used to celebrate occasions of joy and harmony, such as weddings, opening a business, family reunions, as well as the celebration of some festivals.

Click to learn about Mid-Autumn Festival Lanterns.

Different Colors of Lanterns

Yellow Lanterns

Yellow lanterns were mostly used in palaces in imperial times in China. Yellow was the emperors' color in ancient China, so they were not permitted for use by the general public. It is now said that yellow lanterns can bring good luck to young students in school.

White Lanterns

In Chinese culture, white is related to death or funerals. So, white bamboo lanterns were often used at funerals in China.

Green Lanterns

Green lanterns are often seen during temple fairs or the Lantern Festival. Green has meanings of health, prosperity, and harmony. Green lanterns are becoming more and more popular nowadays.

When Do Chinese People Use Lanterns?

Although there is no longer a practical need for Chinese lanterns nowadays for lighting, they are still made, used, and enjoyed by the Chinese people during festivals or important events. Streets, both in big cities and small towns, are decorated with red lanterns during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Lantern Festival.

The Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is one of the best days to view Chinese lanterns. The custom of viewing lantern displays on the evening of the Lantern Festival has a history of almost 2,000 years, since the Han Dynasty. It was a great event traditionally.

Guessing lantern riddles is one of the most interesting activities of the Lantern Festival. People gather under the hanging lanterns to compete to be the one who figures out the most lantern riddle answers.

Chinese Lantern Festival

How to Make a Chinese Paper Lantern Step-by-Step

Want to make a Chinese paper lantern to decorate your house? Here are simple instructions for making a paper lantern with a sheets of red and yellow paper.

Materials needed: A4 sheets of red and yellow (or gold) paper (1 of each), a pencil and a ruler, scissors, and glue

Step 1:

Fold the red paper in half, then use the paper and the ruler to draw some lines perpendicular to the folded side about 20 mm (3/4") apart, leaving about 20 mm at the top. After that, use the scissors to cut along the lines.

Step 2:

Roll the yellow paper lengthwise to form a tube, which is the center of the lantern. Then use some glue to fix the tube.

Step 3:

Open the red paper and match the yellow tube with the red paper at one end. Use the glue to make them secure.

Step 4:

Glue the other end of the red paper to the yellow tube, making the red paper shorter than the tube, so that the strips cut with the scissors spread out.

Step 5:

Cut off the excess part of the yellow tube at the bottom or you can also leave it as a decorative part of the lantern.

Step 6:

Make the handle of the lantern using the excess part of the yellow paper. And fix it on both sides of the lantern at the top. Now you have made a simple and beautiful Chinese paper lantern.

Catch A Glimpse Of Chinese Lanterns

Dying to see Chinese lanterns up close? Let China Highlights plan your tour of China's greatest sights and come see the wonder for yourself with our festival tours.

We offer structured tours through the highlights of Chinese culture and history. Plan your own custom tour during the festival of your choice for beautiful photo-ops and breathtaking views of Chinese lanterns.

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Chinese Lanterns: Culture and How to Make in 5 Steps

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Find out about Chinese lantern history, riddles, features, types, and how to make red lanterns in China.

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DISCUSS efforts made in preserving and maintaining cultural heritage and their application to the personal/local context.

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DISCUSS efforts made in preserving and maintaining cultural heritage and their application to the personal/local context.

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The efforts to preserve and maintain cultural heritage are critical in ensuring that traditions continue, especially within the personal and local context. In the Philippines, the Parol, or Christmas lantern, serves as a great example of cultural heritage preservation efforts. Various initiatives have been taken to safeguard and celebrate the artistry and significance of the Parol, showing better strategies applicable to the preservation of cultural heritage. Individuals are essential in ensuring that the custom of making and presenting Parols is carried down from one generation to the next. During the holiday season, families participate in practical activities like making parols together, which helps them develop a close and direct relationship with the cultural practice. Additionally, the Parol's significance is actively shared within the family through the oral transmission of its stories and meanings, which fosters a sense of shared identity. In essence, efforts to preserve and maintain cultural heritage, as exemplified by the Parol, involve a combination of individual, familial, communal, and institutional initiatives. By intertwining personal and local contexts, these efforts not only safeguard traditions but also foster a sense of continuity, identity, and pride within communities. The Parol, with its intricate design and cultural significance, serves as a reminder of the richness embedded in cultural heritage and the importance of collective endeavors to ensure its longevity.