Luminaria (vigil fire)

Imagine you are outside in the dark and you want to light up your backyard with something special. A luminaria is a special kind of light that comes from a small fire that is placed in a paper bag filled with sand. The paper bag has special designs cut into it so the light shines through and creates a beautiful pattern.

People often use luminarias during special celebrations or holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, or Easter. They are also used during religious ceremonies as a symbol of hope and light.

Before lighting a luminaria, it's important to make sure that it is placed in a safe location that is away from anything that can catch fire, like trees or bushes. Once the luminaria is lit, it creates a warm and cozy atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.