Filipion Christmas Tradition: Belen (Nativity)

The Belen is a wonderful Christmas tradition in the Philippines. It is a clear depiction of the Nativity scene when Jesus Christ was born. Its most basic characters are Jesus Christ as an infant, Mary, and Joseph. However, it also often includes barn animals and the Three Magis (a.k.a. Three Wisemen) who paid Him homage.

Here is a Belen in Tarlac, Philippines that has won first place as best Belen in the province for two consecutive years (2007-2008). This is their entry for Christmas 2009.

Buses stop in front of the Belen for a few seconds to allow their passengers a glimpse of the life-size display.

The traditional Filipino Christmas lantern (parol) is also often part of the Belen. It represents the Star of Bethlehem that lead the Three Magis journey to find the King.

These are a couple of lanterns out of dozens in one of the many roadside dealers in Gerona, Tarlac.