Definition: Luminaria comes from a a Latin word meaning "lights."
The most basic and common luminaria is a votive candles set in paper bags weighted with sand. They are placed in rows along walkways and driveways.
To make a luminaria, put one to two inches of sand in the bottom of a paper bag. Nestle a tealight or votive candle into the center of the sand. When you're ready to use your luminaria, just light the wick of the tealight or candle. Be careful using luminarias on windy evenings.
You can purchase electric luminarias, and there are many projects where you can make luminarias out of metal cans or other objects. The traditional luminarias, however, are made of simple brown paper bags.
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Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all in the Christmas Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.
Pronunciation: loo' - min - air' - ee - yah, or loo' - min - ahr' - ee - yah
Examples: The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix uses luminarias to light the paths during the winter holiday event.
