luminaria

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This package includes everything for 24 luminaria, which is 24 white bags, 24 10-hour candles, 24 candle cups, instructions, sand for the bag, a personalized gift card and history of luminaria.

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Definitions (3)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun A votive candle set into a small, decorative paper bag weighted with sand and placed in a row with others along a walkway, driveway, or rooftop as a holiday decoration. Also called regionally farolito.
  2. noun New Mexico A bonfire built in front of each house in a pueblo to celebrate Christmas Eve.
  3. Regional Note
    In recent years it has become commonplace to see entire American neighborhoods decorated during holiday seasons with luminarias lining driveways, sidewalks, or rooftops. A luminaria is a votive candle set inside a small decorative paper bag weighted with sand. The bags are usually colored and often perforated with designs through which the candle inside shows as bright pinpricks of light. The custom of luminarias comes from Mexico and was practiced in New Mexico for many years before spreading throughout the United States. It derives from a similar holiday custom of the Pueblo peoples in New Mexico. On Christmas Eve they build a bonfire, called a luminaria, outside each house.

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Examples

  • This package includes everything for 24 luminaria, which is 24 white bags, 24 10-hour candles, 24 candle cups, instructions, sand for the bag, a personalized gift card and history of luminaria. —  azcentral.com | news
  • There will be a booth set up to buy luminaria, a light to either honor or remember someone who is living with cancer, survived it or lost their battle with the disease. —  The Times-Journal: News
 

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Luminaria has been looked up 174 times, favorited 0 times, listed 4 times, and commented on once.

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Etymologies (1)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Spanish, from Latin lūmināria, pl. of lūmināre, lamp; see luminary.
 

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