to put it simple..
Serie, 1 big chain of lights = 4 lights like a chain for a christmastree so one wire to the battery, other wires connect the lights with each other
Parallel, every light has it's one wire to the battery = 4 lights -> 4 wires to battery
That's what I remember (daddy is an electromecanic

)
Just asked daddy..
Serie : Lights don't shine to bright
Parallel : battery eater
looks like an 6 year old....