Chloe Adams
Paper bags with candles, also known as luminarias, farolitos, or “little lanterns”, are a festive tradition with roots in New Mexico. Luminarias are made from brown paper bags weighted with sand and illuminated by a candle placed within. These lanterns are often displayed outdoors during the Christmas season, particularly on Christmas Eve, to welcome the Christ child and light the way for weary travellers. The tradition has spread beyond New Mexico, with luminarias now adorning walkways, churches, and homes in various parts of the United States during the holiday season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Luminaria or Farolito |
| Other Names | Paper bag lanterns, little lanterns |
| Origin | Spanish villages along the Rio Grande in New Mexico |
| History | Used to welcome the Christ child into the world |
| Traditional Materials | Sand and candles |
| Modern Materials | Flameless LED candles |
| Use | Placed on the ground or rooftops to light the way for Santa or weary travellers |
| Occasions | Christmas, Halloween, Walk with Santa, Relay for Life fundraising events |
| Locations | Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, New Jersey, Utah |
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What You'll Learn
- Paper bag lanterns, called luminarias or farolitos, are a New Mexican Christmas tradition
- The paper bags are filled with sand and a candle and arranged in rows to create displays
- They are used to light the way for the Christ child, Santa, or weary travellers
- They can be dangerous due to the fire risk, so LED candles are sometimes used
- They are also used in Halloween displays, sometimes with jack-o'-lantern faces drawn on
Paper bag lanterns, called luminarias or farolitos, are a New Mexican Christmas tradition
The luminarias or farolitos tradition began when Spanish villages along the Rio Grande displayed the unique and easy-to-make lanterns to welcome the Christ child into the world. The early versions were small bonfires of crisscrossed piñon branches built in three-foot-high squares. As paper became more widely available, luminarias evolved into what they are today. Instead of making paper lanterns that would hang in a tree or from a roof, small paper bags were placed on the ground or on rooftops.
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. In other areas, the luminaries are said to light the way for Santa Claus. 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 displayed throughout the year-end holiday season.
In some Southwestern states, such as Arizona and Texas, as well as in New Mexico, luminarias are also occasionally used as Halloween decorations, sometimes featuring jack-o'-lantern faces drawn on the paper bags. 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.
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The paper bags are filled with sand and a candle and arranged in rows to create displays
The paper bags in question are part of a tradition called luminarias, which are sometimes referred to as farolitos, or "little lanterns". The tradition dates back over 300 years and is particularly associated with Albuquerque, New Mexico, where luminarias adorn walkways, churches, and homes during theholiday season.
Luminarias are made from brown paper bags, although white paper bags are also used, particularly in New Jersey. The bags are filled with sand and weighted down so they won't blow away. A votive candle, tea candle, or flameless LED candle is then placed in the centre of each bag. The bags are arranged in rows a few feet apart to create large, elaborate displays.
The tradition is said to have begun as a way to welcome the Christ child into the world, with the lights intended to guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home. However, in more modern times, the luminarias are also used to light the way for Santa Claus.
Luminarias have also been used to decorate the grounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, and are featured in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life fundraising events. In some Southwestern states, such as Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, luminarias are also used as Halloween decorations, sometimes featuring jack-o'-lantern faces drawn on the paper bags.
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They are used to light the way for the Christ child, Santa, or weary travellers
The tradition of placing candles inside paper bags, or "luminarias", dates back more than 300 years. The glowing brown sacks adorn Albuquerque walkways, churches, and homes each holiday season, and are believed to light the way for the Christ child, Santa, or weary travellers.
The tradition began in Spanish villages along the Rio Grande in New Mexico, where people would display unique, easy-to-make lanterns to welcome the Christ child into the world. Over time, as paper became more widely available, the small paper bags replaced the original paper lanterns, which would hang in trees or from roofs and were susceptible to wind damage.
The luminarias are typically made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle. They are arranged in rows to create large and elaborate displays, with the intention of guiding the spirit of the Christ child to one's home. In addition to their religious significance, luminarias are also believed to light the way for Santa, a tradition that is especially popular among children.
In some Southwestern states, such as Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, luminarias are also used as Halloween decorations, sometimes featuring jack-o'-lantern faces drawn on the paper bags. In non-English-speaking countries like Italy, Spain, and Japan, the term luminaria is used more generally to describe any type of festive light display, including bonfires, candles, and electric lights.
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They can be dangerous due to the fire risk, so LED candles are sometimes used
Paper bags with candles, also known as luminarias, farolitos, or “little lanterns”, are a festive tradition in some parts of the world, especially during Christmas. They are typically made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated by a candle placed inside. While this creates a whimsical and festive atmosphere, there are safety concerns due to the fire risk posed by open flames.
The use of real candles in paper bags can indeed be dangerous, as the bags themselves are flammable and can easily catch fire if the candle is not securely placed or if the wind blows it over. This can quickly lead to a hazardous situation, especially if there are multiple bags close together or if they are placed near flammable objects or surfaces. The risk is further heightened if young children or pets are present, as they may accidentally knock over the bags or play with the candles.
To address this fire hazard, it is recommended to use LED candles or flameless candles instead of real candles with wicks. These LED candles provide the same warm glow and festive atmosphere without the risk of an open flame. They are battery-operated, convenient, and safe to use, eliminating the worry of accidental fires or burns. LED candles are also a more durable and cost-effective option in the long run, as they can be reused multiple times without melting or burning down.
While some purists may prefer the traditional charm of real candles, the use of LED candles in paper bags is a safer alternative that still achieves the desired aesthetic. This option is particularly suitable for large displays or in locations where fire safety is a top priority, such as public events or crowded areas. By choosing LED candles, one can enjoy the magical ambiance of luminarias while maintaining peace of mind and ensuring the safety of oneself, one's property, and those around them.
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They are also used in Halloween displays, sometimes with jack-o'-lantern faces drawn on
Luminarias are paper bags with candles that are used for decorative purposes. They are also referred to as farolitos, which means "little lanterns". The tradition of using luminarias dates back more than 300 years and is particularly popular in New Mexico, where they adorn walkways, churches, and homes during theholiday season. While the traditional colour of the paper bag is brown, they are also available in white.
Luminarias are also used in Halloween displays, especially in Southwestern states like Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. For Halloween, luminarias are sometimes decorated with jack-o'-lantern faces drawn on the paper bags. These festive decorations add a spooky touch to any Halloween celebration.
The creation of luminarias is a simple process. First, fold the top of a brown paper bag to create a one-inch fold. Then, fill the bag with sand to weigh it down and prevent it from blowing away. Finally, place a candle in the centre of the sand, being careful to keep it away from the sides of the bag.
Luminarias are typically arranged in rows to form large and elaborate displays. In Albuquerque, luminarias are often placed a few feet apart from each other along walkways and pathways. The arrangement of luminarias creates a beautiful and captivating display that is sure to impress.
The use of luminarias is not limited to residential areas. 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. These metal luminarias feature tiny holes punched into them, creating designs that depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and Christmas messages in various languages.
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Frequently asked questions
They are called luminarias (or farolitos in northern New Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries).
Luminarias are a New Mexican tradition that dates back more than 300 years. They are meant to light the way for the Christ child. They are also used to light the path for weary travellers or to welcome friends and relatives into one's home.
Fold the top of a brown paper bag to create about a one-inch fold. Fill the bag with enough sand to weigh it down. Nestle a candle into the sand at the bottom of the bag, ensuring it is in the centre if it has a real wick. Place luminarias a few feet apart from one another to line walkways and other pathways.
Luminarias are typically used during Christmas Eve or the year-end holiday season. They are also occasionally used as Halloween decorations.
Luminarias are made from brown paper bags and illuminated from within by a lit candle. They are usually arranged in rows to create large and elaborate displays.
