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Luminaria
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Farolitos, old mission church, Jemez State Monument
A typical luminaria display in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Luminaria is a term used in different parts of the world to describe various types of holiday lights, usually displayed during Christmas. In English, the term most commonly refers to a specific type of simple paper lantern made by placing a votive candle in some sand inside a paper bag.[1] Also known as a farolito[nb 1], it is a traditional Christmas decoration in the Southwestern United States, particularly New Mexico, where it is a cultural hallmark of the Pueblos and Hispanos of New Mexico and a part of the state's distinct heritage.[3] Luminarias are usually placed in rows along walls, roofs, and walkways to form a holiday display, especially on Christmas Eve.

Electrically lit luminarias are also used, consisting of a string of standard incandescent "Christmas lights" with the bulbs covered with a tan plastic sleeve, made to about the size and shape of a small paper bag.

In Northern New Mexico, luminaria can also refer to a small stacked-wood bonfire, an older tradition which has been replaced to some extent by the paper luminarias. Residents of this region typically call the paper lanterns farolitos in order to distinguish the two types of illumination. Use of the word luminaria for paper lanterns is considered incorrect by some New Mexicans and is a frequent topic of debate.

Yet another form of luminaria, a small torch or large candle, is carried by the leader of the procession of Las Posadas,[4] a nine-day holiday running December 16–24.

In non-English-speaking countries such as Italy, Spain, and Japan, luminaria is used in a much more general sense to describe any type of festive light display, including bonfires, candles, and electric lights.[3]

Etymology and naming disagreement

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Luminaria bonfires in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The name of the decoration is a long-running item of contention among some New Mexicans,[5] with written accounts indicating it was already a familiar topic of debate as far back as the 1940s.[6][7] In Northern New Mexico, the term luminaria is reserved for a small festival or vigil bonfire,[8] a usage which dates back to the Spanish colonial period,[9] and the paper lantern decorations are called farolitos. Many traditionalists insist that the use of luminaria to mean a paper lantern is not correct.[5] However, this distinction is not commonly made outside of northern New Mexico.[10] In other areas where the decorations are used, they are generally referred to as luminarias.

Luminaria in Spanish means "illumination", "festival light", or in ecclesiastical usage, a "lamp kept burning before the sacrament".[11] The Spanish word was derived from Latin luminare meaning a light source generally, or in a religious context, "a light, lamp, burned in the Jewish temple and in Christian churches".[12] In colonial New Mexico, both terms were used to refer to a small bonfire. Luminaria as a loanword in English was first attested in the 1930s.[1]

Farolito, a common term in northern New Mexico, is a diminutive of the Spanish word farol, meaning "lantern". According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, farolito "apparently is a purely New Mexico word".[9]

The spellings "luminary"[13] and "luminaries"[14] are often incorrectly used instead of luminaria and luminarias.

Origin

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The use of paper lanterns during the Christmas Novena procession originates from the similar parol (Spanish farol) tradition of the Philippines which use lanterns made with bamboo and Japanese paper. These were introduced to New Spain via the Manila galleons.[15][16][17][18][8]

Christmas tradition

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Las Noches de las Luminarias, at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Praiano, Italy, Luminaria di San Domenico, August 1. Luminarias are used in seasons other than Christmas.

The early versions were actually small bonfires of crisscrossed piñon branches which were built in three-foot high squares. Today, luminarias are made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle. These are typically arranged in rows to create large and elaborate displays. The hope among Roman Catholics is that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home.

Strings of artificial luminarias, with plastic bags illuminated by small light bulbs and connected by an electrical cord, are also available, and are common in the American Southwest, where they are typically displayed throughout the year-end holiday season. They have gained popularity in other parts of the United States.[19]

New Mexico

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Santa Fe and Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico, are well known for their impressive Christmas Eve farolito displays.[20] Farolito displays are common throughout New Mexico, and most communities in New Mexico have farolitos in prominent areas such as major streets or parks. Residents often line their yards, fences, sidewalks, and roofs with farolitos. Similar traditions can now also be found in many other parts of the nation.

The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico hosts the annual Hanging of the Greens tradition with over 14,000 luminarias, hot posole, and Christmas carols.[21]

New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico holds an annual event called Noche de Luminarias in early December, which features over 10,000 luminarias across campus.[22]

San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, organizes a large annual farolito display, most recently consisting of around 30,000 farolitos displayed on campus.[23]

Elsewhere

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At historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, metal luminarias decorate the grounds near the Church Office Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Tiny holes have been punched in the metal to create designs featuring scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and Christmas messages in a variety of languages.[24] Some of the luminaries are the traditional bag shape, while others are large cans.[25] They have been on display since before 2002, when even more were added.[26]

In West Valley City, Utah, luminarias are used to light the path during the Walk with Santa held the first Monday of December every year. The display features over 300 luminarias.

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life fundraising events which are held all over the U.S. feature luminaria ceremonies.[27] Luminarias are placed around the track and some relay events spell out "HOPE" in stadium stands with luminarias.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's[28] Out of the Darkness Overnight[29] uses luminarias at the end of the overnight walk to memorialize those lost to suicide for survivors.

Luminarias have also become popular in California in some cities. The Boy Scout Troops and Albuquerque Youth Symphony sell them around Christmas time as another form of fundraising.

On Evensham Street in the Glenshire Devonshire area of Truckee, California, local residents line the streets with luminaries. See Glenshire Devonshire's web page for aerial photos.

The Mantey Heights neighborhood of Grand Junction, Colorado, has celebrated the luminaria tradition for several decades. Over 3,500 luminaries are placed along the roads and walkways every Christmas Eve. Many are positioned atop the parapets of the old adobe homes.

In Champaign, Illinois, luminarias line South Willis Ave. between Springfield Ave. and John St. for one night each holiday season.

The Mount Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, has an annual luminaria Light Up Night, an event that began in 1975. Luminarias are sold to neighborhood residents as a fundraiser for the Mount Lookout Community Council.[30]

In Galena, Illinois, luminarias line the streets of the town one night in December for their annual "Night of Luminaria."[31]

In the Village of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, luminarias line the 200 block of Taylor Avenue on Christmas Eve.

In Midlothian, Illinois, luminaria sets are sold to raise money for the local food pantries. About 75% of the food pantries annual budget comes from these luminaria sales and donations.

After the 2008 city hall shooting in Kirkwood, Missouri, residents lined the streets with luminarias to honor the victims of the shooting.

Each year for the past 22 years in Seattle, community members have placed luminarias along the path beside Lake Washington north of Seward Park. They place as many as 1800 along a three-mile stretch of the path. The placement of the luminaria are timed to coincide with the annual Christmas Ships festival organized by Argosy Cruises.

In Southern Arizona at the Tumacacori Mission, 2500 luminarias are placed around the mission and lit on Christmas Eve. People from the community go to the mission on Christmas Eve and walk along the path through the church and around the grounds. It is a special tradition for the community.

Other holidays

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In some Southwestern states, such as Arizona and Texas as well as New Mexico, luminarias are also occasionally used as Halloween decorations, sometimes featuring jack o' lantern faces drawn on the paper bags.[32] Artificial luminarias are increasingly available with holiday themed decorative patterns and in colors other than brown.

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A luminaria is a traditional decorative lantern used in winter holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas, consisting of a brown paper bag partially filled with sand to hold a lit tea light or votive candle, creating a warm, glowing illumination. Originating from Spanish colonial influences in the American Southwest, the term "luminaria" derives from the Spanish word for "illumination," while in northern New Mexico, the synonymous "farolito" is preferred, meaning "little lantern." The tradition traces back to the late , with early records from 1590 when Spanish explorer Gaspar Castaño de Sosa's expedition lit bonfires in the Rio Grande Valley to scouts, evolving into small piñon bark and wood fires by the to mark paths to . Adopted by communities during Spanish colonization, luminarias symbolize guiding the to , aligning with Catholic rituals like processions. By the late 1800s, paper bags replaced bonfires as a practical adaptation, spreading the custom across former Spanish territories. Today, luminarias remain a hallmark of New Mexican Christmas Eve festivities, with communities like the lighting over 2,000 annually along walkways, churches, and homes to foster a sense of warmth and unity. Beyond holidays, they serve broader cultural roles, such as memorials—exemplified by 400 luminarias lit in a 2021 Washington, D.C., event to honor the approximately 400,000 victims of in the United States as of January 2021—or fundraising efforts by organizations like the . Regional naming conventions persist: north of Santa Fe, "farolito" denotes the paper version and "luminaria" the , while south of the city, the terms reverse, reflecting the tradition's deep ties to and Indigenous heritage in the Southwest.

Definition and Terminology

Core Definition

Luminarias are simple, ground-placed paper lanterns traditionally constructed from brown paper lunch bags, each filled with approximately 1 to 2 inches of to provide stability and hold a or tea-light at its center. The top edge of the bag is typically folded down by about 1 to 2 inches to minimize the risk of the paper igniting from the flame, while a small opening or fold at the front allows the light to emanate softly, producing a warm, glowing effect that diffuses through the translucent paper. These lanterns measure approximately 6 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep by 10 to 12 inches tall, making them compact yet effective for lining pathways or structures. Their primary function is to illuminate outdoor spaces during evening events, placed in rows along walkways, driveways, roofs, or vigas to create a festive, guiding light display. In contemporary adaptations, luminarias may incorporate battery-operated LED tea-lights instead of open flames for enhanced safety, particularly in windy or dry conditions, while retaining the traditional form. Unlike hanging piñatas or fixed electric decorations, luminarias are distinctly low-profile, disposable ground fixtures designed for temporary, communal setups.

Etymological Origins and Naming Disputes

The term "luminaria" derives from lūmināria, the neuter plural of lūmināre meaning "source of light" or "lamp," which itself stems from the lumen signifying "light." In Spanish, luminaria broadly refers to "illumination" or festival lights, often associated with candles or bonfires used in religious celebrations, and entered via dialects brought to the . This linguistic evolution reflects the tradition's roots in colonial Spanish practices, where such lights symbolized guidance and festivity. A persistent naming dispute centers on "luminaria" versus "farolito," the latter translating from Spanish as "little lantern" derived from farol ( or ). Purists, particularly in northern New Mexico's communities, favor "farolito" for the paper-bag lanterns to maintain authenticity, arguing that "luminaria" traditionally denotes a rather than a small enclosed light. Historical documentation traces the earliest written references to luminarias in to the 19th century, with the Weekly New Mexican in 1864 describing city-wide displays of these illuminations during holiday observances. Earlier influences from dialects are evident in colonial accounts, such as a 1590 by explorer Castaño de Sosa noting small bonfires lit for guidance, which evolved into the modern tradition along trade routes like the Camino Real. The first attested use of "luminaria" in English for the specific appears in 1934, marking its integration into southwestern U.S. vernacular. Regional terminology preferences highlight cultural divides: "luminaria" predominates in Anglo-American usage, especially in central and southern like Albuquerque, while "farolito" is more common among residents in the north, around Santa Fe and beyond La Bajada. This split, nearly even in contemporary polls (53% favoring "luminarias" statewide), underscores the tradition's bilingual heritage and ongoing linguistic adaptation.

Historical Development

European and Spanish Roots

The roots of luminarias trace back to medieval European traditions of lighting bonfires and conducting candle-lit processions during festivals, which symbolized the triumph of light over darkness. In Germanic and Nordic regions, the Yule festival, observed around the , involved burning large yule logs on hearths or in communal fires to ward off the cold and invite the sun's return, a practice documented as early as the 8th century in Scandinavian customs. Similarly, on November 11 featured bonfires and lantern processions across and the , where participants carried handmade lanterns to honor Saint Martin of Tours and illuminate the path through the encroaching winter night, a tradition rooted in 4th-century hagiography and persisting through the . These rituals provided a foundational precedent for using fire and light in seasonal celebrations, emphasizing communal warmth and spiritual guidance. In , these European precedents evolved into Catholic rituals during the late medieval and periods, integrating bonfires and simple lanterns into religious observances tied to the liturgical calendar. on incorporated candle lighting at gravesites and in processions to honor the saints, reflecting a blend of pre-Christian solstice fires with Christian of the holy dead, as families placed votive candles on tombs to symbolize eternal light. These practices, often using basic paper or cloth lanterns, underscored light as a metaphor for within Spanish Catholicism. Spanish missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries exported these traditions to the during colonial evangelization efforts. Symbolically, these candles and fires represented Christ's piercing spiritual darkness, a motif rooted in earlier liturgical texts.

Introduction and Evolution in the Americas

Luminarias, small bonfires or lanterns used to illuminate paths, were introduced to the by Spanish explorers and settlers in the late , building on European traditions of fires for guidance during winter festivities. The earliest documented use in the occurred in 1590, when Spanish explorer Castaño de Sosa recorded his men small bonfires, known as luminarias, along the Valley to guide a scout back to camp during an expedition into present-day . This practice arrived with the formal colonization efforts led by in 1598, who established the first Spanish capital at San Gabriel del Yunque near the of Ohkay Owingeh, where missionaries integrated such illuminations into early Catholic rituals at missions to mark religious observances. Spanish settlers brought the custom from , where it had roots in 16th-century practices among adapted by missionaries. By the 19th century, luminarias evolved significantly due to changing material availability and practical needs in the Southwest , particularly in . Early forms included elaborate faroles—hanging paper or tin lanterns imported via trade routes like the Manila galleons and El Camino Real—but these were fragile and wind-prone, leading to a shift toward more durable ground-based designs. The invention of the flat-bottomed in 1872, transported westward along the , enabled a simpler adaptation: bags filled with sand to hold votive candles, replacing wood stacks or lanterns for safer, subtler lighting. This transition reflected resource constraints in remote settlements and was influenced by Mexican posada customs crossing northward, where similar lights guided processions, adapting to the arid landscape and blending with local practices. In the early , luminarias saw further milestones through commercialization and cultural integration, solidifying their place in American Southwest identity. Following the Mexican-American War of 1848, which ceded to the , the practice persisted amid increasing Anglo settlement, fostering a hybrid custom that merged Spanish-Mexican Catholic elements with Indigenous techniques and emerging American influences, such as trail trade goods. This blending helped luminarias evolve from colonial mission tools to a widespread regional emblem by the mid-20th century.

Traditional Uses and Practices

Christmas and Las Posadas Traditions

Luminarias play a central role in the reenactment, a nine-night celebration from December 16 to 24 that commemorates Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in . During these evenings, participants form processions, with luminarias lining the paths to guide the group—often portraying the —from house to house, where they request posada (lodging) through traditional songs before being welcomed inside on the final night. The lights are typically lit at dusk, creating a glowing trail that symbolizes divine guidance and hospitality amid the winter darkness. On , the culmination of , luminarias are prominently placed along adobe walls, sidewalks, and snow-covered grounds throughout the Southwest , particularly in areas with Spanish colonial heritage. This practice follows the sunset , where families and communities light the lanterns to welcome the Christ child and illuminate the journey to midnight services, fostering a sense of communal warmth and reverence. In places like , thousands of luminarias transform streets into a sea of flickering lights, drawing participants to churches such as San Felipe de Neri for celebration. The of preparing and luminarias involves a communal step-by-step process that emphasizes shared effort. Brown paper bags are partially filled with sand to stabilize them, a votive or tea-light is inserted and secured, and the luminarias are then positioned along streets or pathways—often hundreds or thousands in total—before being ignited together at . This collective activity, typically undertaken by neighbors or church groups, not only prepares the visual display but also builds anticipation for the processions and gatherings. The tradition of using luminarias in these Christmas rituals traces its spread from 18th-century New Mexico missions, where Spanish missionaries introduced them to indigenous communities as part of Catholic observances, to broader adoption across the U.S. Southwest by the 1920s. Initially inspired by Mexican practices brought by colonists, the custom evolved from small bonfires to the paper-bag form, becoming a widespread symbol of holiday illumination in former Spanish territories.

Regional Practices in New Mexico

stands as the epicenter of luminaria traditions in the United States, where the practice is deeply embedded in holiday celebrations across the state, particularly during . The state's arid landscapes and historic architecture enhance the glowing displays, which symbolize guidance for the and foster community gatherings. Plazas, homes, and churches statewide illuminate with thousands of these paper lanterns, blending Spanish colonial roots with local influences to preserve heritage. In Santa Fe and Albuquerque, annual events highlight the tradition's scale and vibrancy. Santa Fe's Canyon Road Farolito Walk on features farolitos— the northern New Mexican term for the lanterns— lining streets, galleries, and rooftops, drawing thousands of participants in a that celebrates artistic and . In Albuquerque, the Old Town Luminaria Tour illuminates the historic plaza with over 1,000 luminarias, while surrounding neighborhoods extend the display to thousands more, creating pathways of light along walkways and adobe structures. These events, rooted in practices dating back over 300 years to Spanish settlements along the , emphasize New Mexico's role in maintaining the custom's authenticity. Local customs in integrate luminarias into everyday architecture and community life, often placed on vigas— traditional wooden roof beams protruding from homes— as well as along plazas and pathways to evoke a warm, inviting glow. Residents and visitors participate in guided tours, such as Albuquerque's bus tour through Old Town and nearby areas, which has become a beloved way to experience the displays without the chill of walking. Holiday markets and shops throughout the state sell luminaria kits, including bags, sand, and candles or LED alternatives, making it easy for families to contribute to neighborhood illuminations and sustain the practice. These elements underscore luminarias' integration into 's tourism promotions, positioning them as a hallmark of the state's . Community events often combine traditional bonfires, known as luminarias grandes— small stacks of piñon wood lit along roadsides— with the modern paper bag versions, especially during processions leading to . Examples include Taos' Bonfires on Bent Street, where larger fires complement farolitos for a multisensory experience, reinforcing social bonds and historical continuity in and Native communities. This dual approach highlights New Mexico's unique preservation of both ancient and evolved forms of the tradition.

Adaptations in Other Regions and Holidays

Luminarias have expanded beyond their core Southwestern origins, finding adoption in other U.S. states such as , , and , where they illuminate holiday displays and community events. In , particularly , the Fiesta de las Luminarias features thousands of these lanterns along the River Walk, drawing from Mexican Christmas traditions to create a pathway of light during the holiday season. In Colorado's Grand Junction, the Mantey Heights neighborhood has upheld the practice for decades, placing over 27,000 luminarias along streets on (as of 2021) to foster communal warmth. California's Ojai Valley similarly embraces the custom, with residents lining pathways and rooftops with paper bag lanterns on , blending the tradition into local winter festivities. Beyond Christmas, luminarias appear in non-holiday contexts across Southwest communities, often with thematic modifications. For celebrations on November 2, they incorporate marigold motifs or orange hues to honor the deceased, aligning with and Southwestern rituals that use to guide spirits. In wedding processions, white or decorated luminarias line aisles and entrances, providing a romantic glow for ceremonies in regions like and . Fourth of July gatherings in these areas repurpose them with patriotic red, white, and blue accents, enhancing backyard barbecues and neighborhood parades as symbols of festivity. Internationally, luminaria-like traditions stem from Spanish colonial influences, notably in and the . In , farolitos—small paper lanterns akin to luminarias—illuminate posadas processions from December 16 to 24, tracing back to 16th-century practices that reenact Mary and Joseph's journey. The ' parol lanterns, star-shaped and derived from the Spanish "farol," evolved during the colonial era to represent the , lighting homes and streets during extended seasons. Contemporary adaptations prioritize and , especially in urban environments. Electric LED versions, using plug-in cords or battery-powered lights within reusable bags, have gained popularity for fire-prone areas, as produced by manufacturers like RC Company for year-round use. In neighborhoods, these electric or solar-infused variants appear in holiday displays and events, reducing risks while maintaining the tradition's aesthetic in densely populated settings.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance

Symbolism and Community Role

Luminarias hold religious symbolism in New Mexican Catholic traditions, where they represent guiding the on their journey to Bethlehem. Lit on , luminarias offer warmth and reassurance amid the cold. Beyond their spiritual significance, luminarias play a vital role in strengthening community bonds through collaborative preparation and display. In neighborhoods across , residents coordinate efforts to line streets and plazas with thousands of these lanterns, such as the annual tradition at where over 2,000 luminarias are lit, fostering a shared sense of warmth and unity during holiday gatherings. These events promote cultural continuity among diverse populations, including , Native American, and Anglo communities, by encouraging intergenerational participation that reinforces social ties and collective identity. Luminarias are lit during processions, reenacting the Holy Family's search for shelter. Preservation efforts underscore luminarias' status as a cornerstone of Southwestern , with initiatives highlighting their endurance since Spanish colonial times in 1590. Organizations like the document and promote these practices to maintain their role in regional identity, amid broader discussions on safeguarding holiday traditions akin to UNESCO-recognized Latin American customs such as . Community-led events and educational programs ensure luminarias continue to symbolize resilience and cultural vitality in New Mexico's multicultural landscape.

Modern Interpretations and Variations

In response to concerns, many communities have transitioned from traditional candle-lit luminarias to LED-powered alternatives, which eliminate open flames while preserving the warm, ambient lighting effect. Electric kits featuring battery-operated or plug-in LEDs are now standard offerings from manufacturers, significantly reducing the risk of accidental fires during windy or dry conditions common in the American Southwest. Flame-retardant paper bags have also become prevalent in modern setups, treated to resist ignition and allowing safer use even with tea lights if preferred. Although outright bans on traditional luminarias are rare, local fire departments in arid regions often recommend LED options during high-risk periods, such as seasons in the , to prevent incidents. Environmental has gained prominence in the , with initiatives promoting recyclable, biodegradable bags made from sustainable sources to minimize waste from single-use displays. LED lights further support eco-friendly practices by consuming less energy and avoiding the of frequent candle production and disposal. These updates address previous gaps in environmental considerations, fostering greener holiday traditions. Commercialization has expanded access through mass-produced kits available from major online retailers, including complete sets with pre-printed bags, LED lights, and bases for easy assembly. This shift has democratized luminarias, turning them from handmade cultural artifacts into convenient products for widespread holiday and event use. Since the 2010s, DIY tutorials on platforms like and have popularized personalized variations, guiding users in creating custom designs with stamps, punches, or digital cutters for themes beyond , such as Halloween or weddings. These resources emphasize safety and creativity, often incorporating LED inserts or recycled materials. Adaptations in global contexts include diverse community events that incorporate luminaria-style lanterns alongside other cultural designs to promote inclusivity. Emerging efforts focus on inclusivity, integrating luminarias into diverse events to welcome non-Hispanic participants and highlight shared themes of and unity, moving beyond ethnic-specific origins. Recent discussions since 2020 underscore and , evolving the practice for contemporary, multicultural settings.

References

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