The modern tradition of luminaries comes from Mexico, brought to them by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Ancient history suggests that luminaries lit the way for Mary and Joseph in their search for lodging in Bethlehem. In my neighborhood, we place them along the street every year on Christmas Eve to honor the tradition.This year I decided to make my own and dress them up beyond the usual plain white paper bag. I've cut the Star of Bethlehem into mine, but you can alter the basic bag pattern by deleting the star (or moving it off your mat) and replacing it with your own design for whatever occasion you're celebrating.
Don't stop with Christmas. These will make beautiful decorations for any occasion! Use colored paper to make birthday luminaries, or illuminate the pathway for a newly married couple as they leave their wedding reception. Your imagination is the only limit!
Take CAUTION though: since they're made of paper with a burning candle inside, they can be a fire hazard. If you place them outside on the street, fill the bottom with sand first, then use a small tealight. For indoor use, try the new battery operated tealights or votives to get the same effect with no danger!
9 comments:
This is so pretty. Thanks for sharing the file.
This is so pretty! I'm going to make one or two for sure.
Thank you so much for this Freebie. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in Creative Busy Hands Cricut Freebies Search List, under the Christmas post on Nov. 19, 2009. Thanks again.
I want to show you some love. Thanks so much for sharing this.
CBH, thanks for the link! I love your blog!
thanks for sharing the files. they look awesome, I love the luminarie.
Hug Linda
Very pretty! Will you be sharing files in svg format? Thanks!
Karen
Thank you! Your blog post will be advertised on the DigiFree Blog Cutting Freebie search engine today (look for timestamp: 23 Nov [LA 04:00pm, NY 07:00pm] - 24 Nov [UK 12:00am, OZ 11:00am] ).
another wonderful file, thanks, cindy!
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