Little Festival

Last night the kids and I had a small celebration for Martinmas. This is something I've wanted to do for years, ever since I got the book "All Year Round." The book has a very Waldorf approach to activities with children and projects to make throughout the year. November 11 calls for honoring St. Martin with a lantern walk. St. Martin was born in 316 AD and is the patron saint of beggars and outcasts. He is remembered for bringing light to those in darkness.

After reading a few short stories about Martin's life, we decorated our glass lanterns (not enough time for the more elaborate paper ones) and went outside at night while carrying our glowing lights. We sang a simple song- "Down with darkness, up with light. Up with sunshine, down with night. Each of us is one small light, but together we shine bright. Go away darkest, darkest night. Make way for light." Unfortunately I'm unsure who wrote this song...

The night was clear, crisp and star filled. After returning indoors, we shared a meal of coconut lentil soup and baked potatoes. To represent Martin's deed with his cloak, which he split in two to share with a pauper, we each divided our potatoes and passed half to the person beside us.

I really appreciate the symbolism behind bringing light into this dark and cold time of year and look forward to continuing this tradition. Rowan, however, thinks we should do this every night!