4Real Forums: Martinmas Lantern Walk

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login

Domestic Church
4Real Forums : Domestic Church

Topic: Martinmas Lantern Walk

Author

Message

<< Prev Topic | Next Topic >>

dollylima
Forum Pro

Joined: Aug 31 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 149

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 3:30am \| IP Logged

Is anyone else planning on doing this on the Feast Day of St Martin of Tours?

This was one of my favorite Waldorf/Steiner celebrations and Im planning on doing our own this winter. We have begun making our lanterns and Im planning on having some friends with children over for dinner and a walk through the trails on our land.
If anyone is planning on doing this, Id love to share ideas for making the night special.
My son's school used to have hot cider and home-made pretzels after the lantern walk. They also had someone sitting at one point (I think maybe the turn-around point) in the walk handing out apples to the children. I am thinking about placing a special surprise up in the field...a disply of pumpkins or perhaps some candles...to signal that it is time to turn around for the return walk home.

__________________
Heather

instantkiwi
Wife to Tim
Mama to Ian 2/27/00
Mama to MaryElise 7/22/08
Step-mom to Abby, Logan and Luke

MacBeth
Forum All-Star

Probably at the beach...

Joined: Jan 27 2005
Location: New York
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2518

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 11:47am \| IP Logged

I did not realize it was a Waldorfian

thing to do...we just thought it was Catholic. Our group made our own lanterns a few years ago, learned the Lantern Song in German, had a St. Martin Pageant and procession, and followed it all with snacks--home made pretzels.

It was a lovely evening, and I hope we can do it again.

I found some beautiful lantern instructions here.

__________________
God Bless!
MacBeth in NY
Don's wife since '88; "Mom" to the Fab 4
Nature Study
MacBeth's Blog

JennGM
Forum Moderator

Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 1:10pm \| IP Logged

Macbeth, I thought the same thing. I think the origins are originally Catholic, and perhaps Waldorf schools have adopted it.

My sister's German cousin-in-law brought over some authentic lanterns from Germany and we did this last year. She said that it's a very popular thing.

Here's a thread on Martinmas from last year.

__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to

& ds1

'03 & ds2

'07
Family in Feast and Feria

Mary Chris
Forum All-Star

Joined: Jan 27 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2175

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 1:23pm \| IP Logged

We did this years ago years ago when were involved with a waldorf inspired play group. That was how I was first introduced to the idea. We did a potluck, then little walk and came back for desert.

I was very inspired by the write up of your Martinmas walk MacBeth, I would love to do that sometime.

Dollylima, it sounds like you have some good ideas already to make it special.

We went to a festival at the DC German School some years back and they had lots of lanterns for sale. This year I think I will have the children make lanterns.

I think it would also be nice to have a coat drive. That might be an idea from the thread that Jenn linked to.

__________________
Blessings, Mary Chris Beardsley
mom to MacKenzie3/95, Carter 12/97 Ronan 3/00 and wife to Jim since 1/92

chicken lady
Forum All-Star

Joined: Feb 27 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2315

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 1:54pm \| IP Logged

Mary Chris wrote:

I think it would also be nice to have a coat drive. That might be an idea from the thread that Jenn linked to.

I am holding a drive with our local HS group. We are all going to meet and take coats and winter gear to our local Catholic Charities thrift store. (they give away the coats to those in need).

We are doing the lantern procession, but with IKEA lanterns. Super easy for me, but looks great and the dc love it.

CathinCoffeland
Forum Pro

Joined: May 19 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 367

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 3:06pm \| IP Logged

Our parish homeshool group is meeting (at my place actually- november is my turn

) and going for the walk then sharing a simple soup supper potluck.

Each child is going to raid their piggy bank and we will give a collection to the priest for our stone soup(feeding the homeless) program.

our head priest is very anti h.s. and we are trying to raise a parish level awareness by being more visible and by doing more service projects.

Maggie

Search for other posts by CathinCoffeland

dollylima
Forum Pro

Joined: Aug 31 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 149

Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 9:11pm \| IP Logged

Quote:

I think it would also be nice to have a coat drive. That might be an idea from the thread that Jenn linked to.

That's a wonderful idea...that's one of those "I cant believe I didnt think of that!" ideas!

I was raised Roman Catholic and had never even heard of St. Martin until I got involved in a Waldorf School community. Im really happy to hear that so many people celebrate the day, and in such thoughtful and meaningful ways. I will be thinking of this new (to me) community when we have our lantern walk, knowing you are also taking time to keep the tradition.

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

[Add this topic to My Favorites]

Printable version

Forum Jump

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com