LUMINARIA HONORING MY MOTHER IN LAW
Welcome to my ABC Wednesday post. This week the letter is "L" and L is for Luminaria.
Luminaria are paper bags filled with sand and illuminated by a small light or candle.
Gina has been involved in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life for a number of years. She first got involved by traveling to Enumclaw, Washington to be a part of the Relay For Life there. Her sister Roberta is very involved with the Enumclaw Relay For Life. Luminaria are an important part of Relay For Life events. Each Luminaria bears the name of a person who has faced cancer, or those who have lost their battle. Each bag represents a life and story, survivor or memory – all donated in the spirit of love.
The Luminaria are placed around the track and lit as sunset approaches. As night falls it is a beautiful and poignant scene to see all the lit luminaria.
LUMINARIA LINING THE TRACK AT RELAY FOR LIFE
There is a Luminaria Ceremony that offers everyone at Relay the opportunity to honor and remember those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Luminaria also raise money for Relay For Life.
GINA SPEAKING DURING THE LUMINARIA CEREMONY
Gina and I have been involved in the Relay For Life event here in Polk county for the last two years. Gina is the Relay For Life Chairperson for Polk County. It is a passion of ours because of all of the family members and friends who have battled cancer. We decorated a float for the 2007 Christmas parade here in Mena. Our theme was Luminaria. Gina made a large Luminaria from a refrigerator box, and we lit it with a floor lamp. We had Luminaria all along the sides of the float that we lit with glow sticks.
THE REFRIGERATOR BOX LUMINARIA
RELAY FOR LIFE FLOAT IN THE PARADE
If you have never been involved in a Relay For Life, find out if there is one in your community and become a part of it. In 2008 there were over 5,000 Relay For Life events with over 3 million people participating. Don't miss out on the fun of this important event. Last year over 400 million dollars was raised by Relay For Life for cancer research, education, advocacy and service.
RELAY FOR LIFE IS FUN AND FULFILLING
What a great idea to organize a Luminarie Ceremony to cmmemorate the fact that many people suffered from cancer. That is also the case in my family. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and the comment. I'd never heard of luminaria until I read this post.
ReplyDeleteRichard
ReplyDeleteLouis Armstrong was before me also!
My father Luiz was a great saxophonist, here in Sao Paulo (Brazil)!
He played in some big-bands, jazz and others rhythm!
I knew Armstrong in my father's musics!
LUIZĂO
Santilli
I particularly like the shot of the flames against the dark.
ReplyDeleteI feel there's a 'pilgrim' in a procession carrying each 'candle'.
What a fabulous post for L! It really must be inspiring and touching to come around the track with all the luminaria glowing. Love the float!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a personal and inspiring post.
ReplyDeleteL is for LIFE! What a wonderful event, Relay for Life. The lumenaria are lovely especially the ones lining the street.
ReplyDeleteThat a good relay, and what a great way to remember the departed loved ones.
ReplyDeleteMy L pictures are posted here and here. Hope you can drop by, too! Thanks!
This is a beautiful way to show tribute to her life. I can't imagine what it must feel like to see all those luminarias glowing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post about 'Luminaria'.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about it till now. Great concept and uses especially for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
I like Luminaria in honour of your mom-in-law and also the photo in which Luminaria lining the tracks.
So beautiful.
My 'L' for LAUGHTER here
My mother and sister both died from cancer and I've never heard of a Luminarie Ceremony. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteThat must be beautiful to look at, and greate to honor this people.Love your post today:)
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the lit Luminaria around the race track - very symbolic and a great cause.
ReplyDeleteGary
Bodge's Bulletin
Great entry well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for comments on my L blog
never heard of these before - what an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteSuch an informative and provocative post for the Letter L on ABC Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteBear((( )))
Great post and a wonderful way of honoring someone special.
ReplyDeleteABC Wednesday here
Thank you for your visit to Belgrade today, and for your wishes. I have participated in a Relay for Life, and would happily do so again in the US. There are activities here from time to time, but not so elaborate. I like the idea of luminaria.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this post! Thank you for informing me about something that is so important! I will definitely click on that link later when I get a chance to think! Thank you to you and your wife for being involved in such a great cause! This was my favorite L so far!
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful community event. Cancer touches nearly every family; it's great to raise awareness and remember. . .
ReplyDeleteThis is a word I didn't know. Many thanks for all the information. The luminaria along the track are so poignant.
ReplyDelete