By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 11-17-06
Thousands of luminaires lit up the campus last December.
GREENSBORO, NC – Need a little illumination before the holidays? Come to UNCG Tuesday, Dec. 5, for enlightenment.
Up to 6,000 candle luminaires will light up the night from dusk to 10 p.m. The luminaires will be set out in the middle of campus in the Residence Hall Quadrangle, in the Student Plaza outside the Dining Hall and along Spring Garden and Aycock streets. Visitors are invited to view the luminaires and join the UNCG community in welcoming the holidays. Rain date is Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Since the holiday tradition began at UNCG in 1969, the number of luminaires has ranged from 3,500 to a high of 7,000. The tradition originated in Spanish and French Christmas customs. Over the years, more than 140,000 candles and white bags, along with approximately 10 tons of sand, are estimated to have gone into the event. The event is sponsored and organized by the campus fraternities and sororities.
The luminaire display is traditionally held on Reading Day, closing out the semester. When the candles burn out, students seeking enlightenment of a different sort will have to turn to electric lamps to browse through their textbooks before final exams. Exams begin at 8 a.m. the next day.
