Luminaria Walk

According to Christian tradition, Jesus and Mary were unable to find a place for the young knocked-up virgin to give birth. They begged for shelter at all the Bethlehem inns, only to end up going through labor in a barn and laying the baby in a feed trough. In Mexico, Catholics mark those trials with Las Posadas, a yearly re-enactment of the journey stretching the nine days before Christmas, ending each night with a feast. Luminarias, small lamps made of candles in bags, are used to light the path as revelers process through their towns and villages. The tradition has opened up to include pretty much anyone searching for some quiet midwinter ambulatory contemplation. Seattle Parks is hosting a secular luminaria walk tonight at Green Lake. Whether you’re Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, or just exhausted from the holidays, it’s a chance to find a little peace on Earth and goodwill to all.

Sat., Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m., 2007