Happy Day of the Lights!
Tomorrow would be the Day of the Lights in Aviandria. In case you don’t know what that is, here is a post I did about it a few years ago. It is one of the most special holidays in Aviandria, much like Christmas is here. Just in case you want to try to celebrate your own Day of the Lights Aviandrian style (but with a bit of modern flair) here are some of the things you will need, and some ideas that you can use.
Here is what you would need for a Day of the Lights celebration in Aviandria:
- Lights
- Food
- Song
- Giving
First, you must have at least one special “light” that goes on at sundown and stays on until you either go to bed or, if it is safe and practical to do so, all night. This can be a candle, a lamp, a lantern, or something else you can think of. It shouldn’t be something you use every other night. It needs to be a special one for this particular day. Of course, if you have other lights you use frequently, you can light those too. But at least one should be special. Here are some ideas of ones I have made in the past. Mason Jar Lanterns, Rustic Stick Lanterns
Second, it is customary to have some sort of special food on the Day of the Lights–something that would be considered a treat. You could use anything that is a treat to you because this is personal to each individual or family. It doesn’t have to be something sugary. It could be a favorite dinner. If you want something different to try, here are some links to modern recipes I have found that remind me slightly of Aviandrian food, even though they aren’t exact. (Note, I haven’t made all these recipes myself, but the pictures and descriptions seem about right.) Chicken Pocket Pie Recipe, Apple Scone Recipe, Carrot Soup Recipe, Crusty Bread Recipe.
Third, the Day of the Lights almost always involves music. In Aviandria it is very common for families and friends to gather and sing with each other. If you just want to listen to music, find something that has to do with light. If you want to sing along, that’s even better, and if you want to go all out, find some friends and/or family and all sing together. If it feels weird to explain the entire Day of the Lights thing to them, just sing some Christmas carols or something and they won’t think twice about it. However, if you want some songs that are more “Day of the Lights-ish” that people are familiar with, try something like “You are my Sunshine,” or “This Little Light of Mine.” Even “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” would work in a pinch. Anything that has to do with light and brightness, or even hope.
Fourth, giving is a large part of the Day of the Lights, but it isn’t so much about giving things. In Aviandria they focus more on giving time or service. Perhaps you could do something special with someone, or do something that lightens someone else’s load. Make dinner for someone who could use it. Shovel a driveway. Write a nice note to members of your family. Volunteer somewhere. Do an extra job for your mom. There are a lot of possibilities for this. You can decide how far you want to take it.
So, there is a nice guide for celebrating The Day of the Lights in our modern world. Hopefully, you can find something you enjoy here.
What are you doing to celebrate The Day of the Lights?