luminaria

American  

[loo-muh-nair-ee-uh, loo-mee-nah-ryah] / ˌlu məˈnɛər i ə, ˌlu miˈnɑ ryɑ /

noun

plural

luminarias

1. (especially in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.) a Christmas lantern consisting of a lighted candle set in sand inside a paper bag.

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Etymology

Origin of luminaria

1945–50; < Mexican Spanish, Spanish: any lamp or lantern displayed during a festival < Medieval Latin, Late Latin lūmināria, originally neuter plural of lūmināris lamp; see lumen, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

Another socially distanced observance will include a luminaria drive-thru.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2021

Giant carnivalesque luminaria lights twinkled in jewel tones over rows of pews in the “Purgatory” room; later, Primal Scream performed.

From New York Times • Sep. 26, 2017

Each luminaria symbolizes one casualty, as a bagpiper plays on a hill and thousands gather in remembrance before driving slowly through the park in the dark, headlights out.

From Washington Times • Apr. 14, 2015

Blessing and lighting of the luminaria, a Christmas Eve tradition.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2013

I love putting luminaria up every year because it is very beautiful and a tradition and a good distraction from my birthday.

From "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky