Luminary candles are most popular during the holiday season.  Communities work together and line their streets with luminary candles to add a special glow for the holidays.  The resulting look is outstanding, and the best part is that it brings communities closer together.  Luminary candles are inexpensive, so even larger communities can decorate their streets.  Luminary candles are frequently used as memorials and fundraisers also.

The season for luminary candles is quickly approaching, so be prepared with everything you need to make the perfect luminaries.  Luminary candles are frequently used during the holidays to add a nice candlelit glow to neighborhood homes, churches, community streets, and parks.  Luminary candles require luminary bags, candles, and sand.  For best results, fold a cuff around the top of each bag and add about a cup of sand.  This will make the bag more stable against light wind.  The concept of luminary candles is very simple, but the results are outstanding.

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

Ever wondered where luminary candles originated?  In the 16th century, Spanish settlers introduced the concept of farolitos, or little lanterns, which were small fires lit outside their homes to commemorate Christ’s birth.  Luminaries have been used throughout history in the ancient traditions of communicating, warning, and celebrating by using linked bonfires.  Sometime around the 19th century, American settlers brought expensive Chinese lanterns to hang from their doorways in place of bonfires.  Since the Chinese lanterns were so expensive, many people began to make small lanterns out of paper bags.

This is where our modern day luminaries originated, and they have quickly grown in popularity and are now available in various styles, colors, and designs.  Luminarias began as a Christmas tradition, but has gradually evolved into a tradition used at parties, memorials, weddings, and charitable events throughout the entire year.

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

The 2009 Candlelight Run would never be the same without luminary candles.  If you are interested in using luminaries for an event, there are some things you should know.  First, you will need luminary bags, tealight candles, and a cup of sand for each bag.  The first step is to fold a cuff around the top of the luminary bag to make the bag more stable.  Then, add the cup of sand to weight down the bag.  If using a large amount of luminaries, it would be wise to complete the first two steps well in advance of the event.

Luminaries are usually placed anywhere between 8 to 12 feet apart depending on the total area being covered.  Once you are ready to set them up, make sure the candle wicks are pointed upward, and place them down into the sand.  Do this for all of your luminaries first, and then go back to light them.  This will ensure that the candles stay lit throughout your event.  Get an early start to make sure your luminaries are ready to light up the night!

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

The Candlelight Run is a huge event that is held every year in Greenville, SC, to raise money for local charities.  The Candlelight Run is the largest night run in South Carolina with over 2,000 participants.  Volunteers spent hours lining the 3.1 mile course with over 2500 luminary candles.  With temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees and strong wind gusts, preparing and lighting the luminaries was quite challenging.  However, the result was breathtakingly beautiful, and the participants were able to experience a peaceful night run.

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

The 13th annual Candlelight Run was held on Saturday June 20, 2009 in Greenville, SC.  Over 2,200 people participated in the 5k and 1-mile fun run around the CU-ICAR facility.  Over 2,500 luminaries lined the path of the 5k run.  Amazingly, the winner completed the entire 3.1 mile course in only 16 minutes, 30 seconds!

Luminaria candles are commonly used around the holiday season, but are also very popular in the springtime.  Warmer weather is on it’s way in, and outdoor evening events will be going on everywhere.  Line the perimeter of a yard, deck, swimming pool, or driveway with luminaria candles for a festive look for any outdoor event.  Some like to use luminaria candles to add soft light to outdoor wedding receptions.  Luminaria candles are an inexpensive way to add a lot of light to any event.

Luminaries on Christmas Eve

Luminary candles are a very popular way to decorate for the holiday season.  Place luminary candles around your driveway, lawn, pool, or fountain for a beautiful holiday glow.  Luminary candles can also be used in parks or cemeteries for candlelight memorial services.  No matter how you use them, luminary candles provide a breathtaking glow for almost any occasion.

Luminary candles are also a great fundraiser for communities, schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations.  You can sell kits that include the bag, candle, and sand needed to make the perfect luminary.  Everything you need can be purchased for less than a dollar per unit, but some fundraisers sell kits for as little as $5 or as much as $25 dollars.  This is an easy, inexpensive, and fun way to raise money for any organization.

Looking for an inexpensive way to make your next party special?  Put out some luminary candles.  Sometimes referred to as luminaria candles.  They consist of a paper bag and a tealight candle.  Sand is used to weigh them down.  Simply fold the top of the bag down to give it strength, add 1 pound of sand to hold it down, and insert the candle.  You now have elegant illumination for your event.  Great for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  The picture below is for luminaries we donated and setup for the BeachBall Foundation.  Here is a link to a great guide to making these luminaries.

Luminaria Candles