Chaminade University held its seasonal tradition lighting of the Christmas lights on the Clarence T.C Ching Hall on Dec 3.

“Its cool to watch the lights turn on,” said senior Ryan Croy, “it kind of reminds me of my childhood when my parents would put lights on our house when it was Christmas time.”

The lighting was hosted by Chaminade’s Dean and he continued to wish the students and faculty happy holidays before letting the lights glow.

The colorful display was put on by the campus ministry, Office of Student Activities and Leadership and Student Support Services.

The ceremony was quick but the result was a big display of green and red lights that covered the entire Ching Hall.

After a few words congratulating the students and faculty on a long semester, the crowd began a countdown from 10 and upon hitting 1 the lights were turn on.

In one instant the entire campus went from dark to a bright brilliant green and red to usher in and celebrate the Christmas Spirit.

About 50 people attended the free event called “Twas the Lights Before Christmas,” most of the people there also attended the mass that was held right before.

The rest of the people there were either lingering in the area, coming out or in from the Silversword Cafe, or just came to see what the gathering crowd was doing.

Contrary to years before, there was no procession of theatre before the lighting.

In years before, the acting and theatre clubs would put on a short skit having to do with Christmas.

In 2012 a “Los Posadas,” which is a traditional Hispanic celebration during the month of December, was held before the lighting.

Students played the roles of Mary and Joseph as they walked around campus seeking shelter, stopping at Hale Lokelani, Hale Pohaku and Hale Malia, each time being turned away.

Finally the couples journey ended at the Clarence T.C Ching Hall where Mary and Joseph entered with baby Jesus and welcomed by their peers and upon their arrival the lights were turned on.

This type of seasonal performance was used at Chaminade for a number of years, but this year before the lighting of the lights instead Mass was held in the Mystical Rose Oratorium beginning at 5:30pm and lasting until around 6pm when the guest were invited to walk out to the front of campus to witness the festive holiday light decorations become lit.

“I think it is a simple way to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the Christmas spirit.” said onlooker Max Gerhbald a senior from Germany.

Christmas lights go back to 18th century Germany where Christmas trees were publicly displayed and lit with the use of candles.

It wasn’t until the 20th century and the invention of the light bulb when electric lights became popular.

Nowadays it is customary to not only decorate the tree but the home as well as front yard.

Chaminade display of lights will be lit from not until the end of Christmas when the student return for the spring semester next year.