Luminaria (vigil fire) facts for kids
A luminaria is a special small bonfire. People traditionally light them during Las Posadas. This is a 9-day celebration that ends on Christmas Eve (also called la Nochebuena). Luminarias are very popular in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The word luminaria comes from Spanish. It means "light" or "illumination."
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What is a Luminaria?
In New Mexico, a traditional luminaria is made from piñon pine branches. These branches are stacked to form a cube shape. It looks a bit like a small log cabin. Piñon pine is used because it grows a lot in the area. Its resin (a sticky sap) also has a special smell. Many people in New Mexico think this smell reminds them of Christmas. The branches are stacked carefully. This way, the fire gives off lots of light and heat.
Where are Luminarias Used?
Luminarias are often placed at the entrance of a home. Sometimes, they are in the middle of a courtyard. Many old Spanish Colonial homes in New Mexico have a central courtyard. These homes have a big entrance gate. The luminaria is placed right at this gate.
In traditional Pueblo villages, homes sometimes have entrances on their rooftops. In these places, a luminaria might be placed on a rooftop.
When are Luminarias Lit?
Some families light a new luminaria every night of Las Posadas. This celebration lasts for nine nights. So, on the first night, there is one luminaria. By the ninth night, there are nine of them. They are often placed in a line leading to the house gate.
In other communities in New Mexico, a single large luminaria is lit. This happens on Christmas Eve after dinner. It's usually placed on a mountain lookout. This way, the whole community can see its light.
Sometimes, people start using luminarias even earlier. This can be on December 12. This date is after the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Some believe this tradition connects to Native American (Pueblo) beliefs.
The History of Luminarias
A historian named Toribio de Benavente Motolinia wrote about luminarias. He lived in the early 1500s. He described how Native Americans used them in Colonial Mexico. They used them to light up outdoor church services at midnight. They also placed them on their rooftops on Christmas Eve.
Modern Luminarias
Today, some luminarias are built inside a small brazier. A brazier is like a metal container for holding hot coals. This helps protect the ground, like pavement or stone. It also makes sure the fire doesn't spread. Luminarias are usually not watched closely. They are meant to be seen and enjoyed by people passing by.
Luminarias and Farolitos
In some places, luminarias are used with smaller lights called farolitos. Farolitos are paper lanterns. They are made from a brown paper bag with sand and a candle inside.
However, some communities in New Mexico only use farolitos. In these places, they often call the farolitos "luminarias." Generally, true luminarias (the bonfires) are found in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. They might be used with or without farolitos. Farolitos alone are more common in Albuquerque and southern New Mexico. They have also spread to other parts of the United States.
Many believe that the farolito in New Mexico came from the parol paper lanterns of the Philippines. These lanterns likely came to New Mexico through Mexico. Most people agree that farolitos are a simpler way to celebrate, like a substitute for the bigger luminarias.
See also
- Easter Fire
- Misa de Gallo
- Luminarias festival observed annually in San Bartolomé de Pinares
- Parol
