Luminaria (vigil fire)
luminaria rarely vigil fire traditional small bonfire typically used la posadas nineday celebration culminating christmas eve la nochebuena luminaria widely used santa fe new mexico luminaria loanword spanish entered english new mexico new mexico tradition luminaria constructed piñon pine branch stacked form cube similar style log fence log cabin piñon used abundant resin distinct fragrance pleasing many people new mexico fragrance christmas branch laid form box fire cast light heat least flame luminaria placed entrance home middle courtyard new mexico many traditional spanish colonial home central open courtyard large entrance gate luminaria placed gate traditional pueblo village entrance home rooftop farolitos may placed rooftop people tradition includes lighting new luminaria night la posadas nine night rebuilding lighting previous night thus first night single luminaria ninth night nine line leading gate traditional community new mexico single large luminaria ignited christmas eve evening meal mountain lookout light may visible entire community rarely use luminaria begin even earlier december feast lady guadalupe said related native american pueblo belief early th century missionary historian toribio de benavente motolinia described luminarias use native american colonial mexico illuminate midnight church service outdoor chapel rooftop christmas eve luminaria may constructed small brazier heat damage pavement stonework reduce risk fire spreading escaping luminaria typically closely attended expected seen admired passer community luminaria used accompanied numerous smaller farolitos paper lantern consisting brown paper bag containing sand candle contrast community new mexico elsewhere use farolitos latter community generally farolitos called luminarias generally luminaria used santa fe northern new mexico without farolitos farolitos alone used albuquerque southern new mexico spread part united state farolito new mexico believed adaptation parol paper lantern philippine brought new mexico via mexico general agreement farolito substitute luminaria easter fire misa de gallo luminarias festival observed annually san bartolomé de pinares parol