Definition of "luminaria" []

• A votive candle set into a small, decorative paper bag weighted with sand and placed in a row with others along a walkway, driveway, or rooftop as a holiday decoration. Also called regionally farolito. (noun)
• New Mexico A bonfire built in front of each house in a pueblo to celebrate Christmas Eve. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Then, we went outside to put up luminaria, which is an activity where all our neighbors fill brown paper bags with sand and line the street with them."
• "In order to obtain light, and above all fresh air, shafts called luminaria, somewhat like chimneys, were cut through the soil to the surface of the ground."
• "This package includes everything for 24 luminaria, which is 24 white bags, 24 10-hour candles, 24 candle cups, instructions, sand for the bag, a personalized gift card and history of luminaria."