Every Christmas Eve, Middleridge neighbors line the sidewalks and walkways with small paper lanterns creating a special warm glowing path throughout the neighborhood. Christmas luminaries have become a tradition of holiday welcome to all of our neighbors and their guests, and it’s very easy to participate if you know how.
What Are Luminarias?
The tradition of Christmas luminaria aka luminaries has a long and varied history as part of religious tradition. Luminarias (Spanish for “small bonfires”) were first recorded in the 16th century, when Spanish people lit bonfires along the roads to guide people to Midnight Mass on the final night of Las Posadas. This was done to reenact the story of Mary and Joseph’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem. This tradition was brought to the Santa Fe Trail in the early 19th century, when settlers lit their entranceways with beautiful Chinese paper lanterns. This tradition was introduced to Mexican Indians by Spanish missionaries, who lit paper lanterns for nine consecutive nights beginning December 16th. It was representational of lighting the way for Christ’s birth and illumination of the spirit.
The modern tradition has evolved into Christmas luminaries decorating sidewalks, driveways, rooftops and windows as a way to guide travelers to their holiday destinations. In every case, luminaria has become a tradition of welcome, and Christmas luminaries have become a tradition of holiday welcome.
How to Create Luminaries
To create a basic luminaria, you only need paper bags, sand, and a light source.
- Fold each bag at the top
- Fill each bag with a couple of cups of sand
- Add a votive candle! For safety, many folks now use a flameless LED votive candle or solar-powered light. If using a candle, place inside of a cup as an extra safety measure.
- Place the bags on steady ground along pathways.
Reusable Luminarias
While paper bags are easy and the most commonly created types of luminarias, they don’t really last year to year (or even through bad weather). There are many alternate ways to house the lights on a path. Some are simple while others require you to get your craft on:
FREE sand for Middleridge Neighbors
On December 18, thanks to a donation from David Mintz, Yard Enhancement Services LLC (YES), we will have luminaria sand placed in the Joshua Davis Court cul de sac free for all to use.
Everyone in our community is welcome to collect what they need for luminaries. We are asking that everyone who can place and light the luminaries on December 24 between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. This should allow for several hours of enjoyment. If you will not be home and still want to participate, please talk with your neighbors and see if they might light / turn on for you.
