Throughout the year Waldorf schools and communities celebrate seasonal festivals to connect with the natural rhythm of the year and build community. September brings Michaelmas, a time of courage and strength. November brings Martinmas, a time of kindness and generosity. And, December brings Advent, solstice, and many holidays symbolizing inner light, hope, and peace. Although the season of these festivals differs depending on which hemisphere you live in, we are all connected to the natural breathing in and out of the planet as it circles the sun in its annual rhythm.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used lanterns, candles, and light to celebrate special festivals and holidays. Diwali, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year are just a few examples where the lights shine to symbolize hope, faith, peace, and the triumph of good over evil.
The legend of St. Martin comes from France. And, as the story goes, when he was a young man, Martin came across a poor beggar. The man was barely clothed and shivering with cold. His heart filled with compassion, young Martin took his own cloak from around his shoulders, cut it in half with his sword, and wrapped it around the beggar’s shoulders to keep him warm. The next night Martin had a dream in which an angel appeared to him wearing the same piece of his cloak. From this experience, Martin devoted his life to showing kindness and generosity to all humankind, regardless of their station. He went on to become the patron saint of the poor and hungry. He was known for his gentleness, his humility, and his ability to bring comfort, warmth, and light to those in need.
Martinmas is celebrated on (or near) November 11th in Waldorf communities around the world often with a community lantern walk. The warm light of the lanterns reminds us all to shine our own inner light with hope, kindness, and generosity for all humankind.
St. Martin's act of kindness was an example of true altruism. He gave with no expectation of anything in return. This kind of altruism is an important value for children to learn and experience as they develop and grow in the community. The lantern walk, stories, and songs are a beautiful reminder. And, some schools choose to take it a step further by hosting clothing drives, food drives, or other acts of kindness that the children and their families can actively participate in. In this way, we can celebrate and honor Martinmas by giving back to our communities and shining the light within.
Martinmas Lanterns:
There are so many ways to handcraft lanterns for a Martinmas celebration with your children. Here is one option we hope you will enjoy! Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on creating a translucent lantern using tissue paper, dried leaves or flowers, and a balloon. And /or scroll down for written instructions!
Materials:
● 1 balloon
● White tissue paper
● Glue (clear glue or white glue)
● Masking tape
● 1 sponge brush
● 2 bowls
● Colorful leaves or pressed flowers
● Scissors
● Newspaper or craft paper
● A bit of yarn to finger knit the handle, or some strong twine in place of finger knitting
● A long stick or wooden dowel to carry the lantern
● Votive or tea light candle / or electric votive
Setting Up:
● This is a great project to do outside! Whatever table you are working on you will want to cover the table with newspaper or craft paper to protect your surface from the dripping glue.
● It is also handy to have a damp towel nearby for wiping the glue off your fingers from time to time.
● Allow your lantern to dry overnight INDOORS. If you leave it outside the change in temperature can cause the balloon to shrink too quickly!
Instructions:
Blow up the balloon and tape to the bowl all the way around with the knot of the balloon facing downward into the bowl
Tear the tissue paper into pieces roughly about the size of your hand
Mix the glue in a bowl and dilute to 2/3 glue and 1/3 water
Use the sponge brush to apply some glue to the balloon - one small area at a time
Place a piece of torn tissue paper onto the spot you glued and gently press down with your fingertips to adhere
Continue adding pieces of tissue paper all the way around the balloon. Make sure each piece overlaps the last and be sure to go all the way down to the bowl
Once you have fully covered the balloon with the 1st layer of paper go back and add a 2nd layer of paper
After the 2nd layer is complete add a 3rd layer
Once you have 3 layers of paper add on the leaves. Trim away any thick stems so the leaves will lie flat. Be sure to leave plenty of white space between the leaves so the light can shine through!
After you have created your design with leaves add TWO more layers of paper
Go over the whole balloon with a final coat of glue for strength, making sure all the edges of the paper are glued down
Allow to dry overnight (or until completely dry) indoors
Summary:
● 3 layers of tissue paper
● 1 layer of leaves
● 2 more layers of tissue paper
● 1 final layer of glue
Finishing:
Use a marker to draw a nice clean line around the base of your balloon using the edge of the bowl as a guide
With your scissors make a small snip into the paper and balloon at the edge of the bowl
Be prepared! This will pop your balloon and the deflating balloon will likely deform your lantern temporarily. Don’t worry! You can reshape it.
Cut all the way around to remove the lantern from the bowl
Reshape it right away into a round vessel with your fist on the inside if necessary
At this time you can create a flat bottom if you would like by pressing the bottom of the lantern flat on a table
If there are any bits of paper inside that did not stick, glue them back into place
Add a few extra layers of tissue and glue to the top open edge of the lantern if needed to reinforce
Use a hole puncher to punch two holes into the top edge of the lantern
Finger knit a 12” length of yarn and securely tie it through the holes in order to make the handle
Tie an overhand knot at the top of the handle and secure to the stick or dowel
Secure a votive candle or tea light candle into the lantern either with some glue or some warm wax drippings so the candle will not slide around.
Practice walking with your child and carrying the lantern without letting it swing before you light the candle. When planning your lantern walk choose a special evening and a safe pathway to walk outdoors. Consider making a lantern for every member of the family or class. Many lanterns together on a walk create quite a magnificent effect. Consider choosing a special song to sing as you walk under the stars.
A note on safety: If using a real flame candle be sure the candle is lit and extinguished by an adult. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
Enjoy your lantern walk!
To learn more about deepening connections to the rhythm of the year, child development, classroom management, and the art of teaching handwork, join our 2-year online international handwork teacher development program! Now accepting applications!
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