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Warmth, light and beautiful balance shines with luminarios and star lights.
Photo: Brax - VPC
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Holidays Lights Offer Warmth and Welcoming from the Cold.
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Traditional and electric lights a glow.
Photo: File |
Page 1 of 2.
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f the hustle and bustle and, of course, the shopppng hasn't dulled your holiday spirit... congratulations; you are a person of good cheer and spirit. Even if stress got to you a bit, here's a perfect way to enhance your holiday experience and to appreciate the holiday season even more.
Make it the season of welcoming. Welcoming is the entrance for new beginnings and that is what is symbolized by the New Year. Welcoming back to the heart long lost friends or welcoming friends and family together with a party or celebration. And what says welcoming best is the beauty of luminarios lining your walkway or doorway.
That's right. Those little brown paper sacks with candles that transform every home into some magical destination for neighbors to enjoy the season. They are called luminarios.
That is what this season is all about. And the welcoming starts with making your home seem inviting. That is the origin of the luminarios or farolitos.
Luminarias had their origin during the 18th century in Northern New Mexic. The people would criss-cross sticks of pinion and pine to make bonfires. These bonfires or farolitos would light the pathways to their homes during the often cold and snowy holiday season. Much like a beacon or lighthouse the farolitos would guide friends or family to their destination.
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Luminarios cast the welcoming glow and warmth for the season.
Photo: File - VPC |
It symbolized the lighting of bonfires by the shepherds leading the way to the manger of the Christ child. Therefore the custom is to light the way during the holidays to welcome guests and as a symbol of lighting the way for three wise men to find the manger.
But, to be sure, it doesn't have to represent any religious story or belief. It is just a great way to bring your neighbors who you may not even know into your house to share the beauty of the holiday spirit.
In the early 20th century these bonfires became easier to replicate with the use of little paper bags, a candle and some sand with the top of the bag turned down about a fifth of the way. They were known as luminarios.
It is the custom of many families and indeed whole blocks or neighborhoods to light the way on Christmas Eve. All along the street curb luminarios are set out and make for a most extraordinary scenic display. There is nothing that touches the heart more than a walk or drive through one of these neighborhood that is lit by luminarios.
To continue to next page - Click for Page 2 .
Prepared by UVL staff.
Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company
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