The Luminaria Story
by Morningside-Meadows resident Alice Blandford
 
Although the lighting of luminaria began as a religious custom, they now provide residents throughout Morningside-Meadows with an opportunity to share a special moment together and to exchange greetings of the season.
 
The history of luminaria begins in Mexico. Luminaria means a body that gives off light. For the past few centuries, Mexicans have lit candles for religious ceremonies. At Christmas the candles are lit especially with the idea of welcoming the Christ Child and lighting the way for Him.
 
No one knows exactly how, but the idea soon caught on of lighting candles outside the home, on rooftops, driveways and sidewalks. This tradition has been adopted more and more in this country. In Texas and New Mexico, residents place luminaria on rooftops and sidewalks. Their houses indeed look like a festival of lights.
 
Having grown up in Latin America, I missed "my lights" when my family moved to Morningside-Meadows in 1965. That first year I knocked on every door on St. Charles Drive and explained this "unheard of custom" to the residents. Everyone was enthusiastic and the first year our entire street was lit up.
 
The next year residents on the other streets in Morningside-Meadows called asking if they too could join in and where they could purchase the candle kits. Since my oldest son was then a Cub Scout it was decided to make this a scout project.
 
What residents seem to enjoy most is not only the simultaneous lighting of the candles and the beautiful scene it creates, but also the warm glow of the candles that suddenly seems to fill our hearts. Everyone goes outside, walking up and down the various streets, greeting neighbors and wishing everyone a happy holiday season. It's a warm felling that brings us all together this one night. How beautiful it would be if we could capture this warm loving feeling all year!