07/12/20
Today is December 7th and in my country, Colombia we celebrate the Day of the Little Candles. Colombia is a country with many religious celebrations and today is in honor of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception.
The celebration of the Night of the Little Candles dates to December 7, 1854, when Pope Pius IX defined as dogma the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, published in his Apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. In anticipation of this decision, people lit candles and paper lanterns to show their support and belief in this idea.
In Colombia, as in many places all over the world, this announcement was observed by lighting candles. The Catholic Church of Colombia kept the celebration alive and made an annual tradition of lighting candles the night of December 7. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Little_Candles)
This day is the official start of the Christmas season in my country. It’s an important celebration because families do gatherings and go outside on the streets and turn on lanterns and candles. Many of them cook delicious and traditional plates like buñuelos, natilla, hojuelas, rice pudding or cookies with wine. It’s amazing to see all houses with candles and feeling the vibe of the Christmas season.
However, this year is something special and some celebrations will be virtual or different due to the pandemic time, in my case is my first Christmas without my mom because she passed away in last December and it’s really tough. I remember she always asked me before this date: What are we doing today? What are we going to cook? She always enjoyed these celebrations and she was like a star because her personality had light and she was the center of my family and I suppose that today she will be present like the sparkle of one of those candles.
So, this a year of reflection as I mentioned in my previous writing and the celebrations will be different for sure but the most important thing is to have the best thoughts and energy for our love ones. Wishing to all my friends and relatives a beautiful Day of the Little Candles, enjoy this time but with responsibility and taking care of yourself, I know we will have better times and remember that the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
DARR.
DIANIX JOURNEY 