The Real Reason You See Luminarias On Christmas Eve

Publish date: 2024-05-02

The lights had a practical use, and provided illumination so people could attend Midnight Mass on the last evening of Las Posadas, a nine-day holiday that first began in Spain. Now, mostly Mexico and the U.S. southwest celebrate it. Why nine? That number represented the Virgin Mary's pregnancy, and the festival honored her journey to Bethlehem. The special Mass acknowledged the search she and Joseph underwent as they sought shelter in Bethlehem (from Home Tips for Women). 

One legend associated with these lights is that they could help guide Christ's spirit into people's homes during the holiday, said Luma Base. In New Mexico, luminarias are known as "farolitos," which means "little lantern" in Spanish. Luminary, or luminaria, translates to "festival light." In places like Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, these pretty lanterns are included in even the most elaborately decorated homes. Of course, nowadays the decorated paper bags are used for more than Christmas and can be seen at other celebrations, such as Halloween, weddings and more (from FLIC Luminaries). 

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