Martinmas

 "Throughout the year, our school celebrates festivals to connect us with the cycle of nature and establish a yearly rhythm for the children. The festival of Martinmas is celebrated at Madison Waldorf School and at Waldorf schools throughout the world in November between the fiery out-breath of Michaelmas and the deep in-breath of the winter holidays reminding us that through all of life's outward changes we maintain within us the warm light of our spirit. It honors, in a universal way, the story of St. Martin, patron saint of beggars and outcasts, who was known for his gentleness and his ability to bring warmth and light to those in need. A Lantern walk often occur as a part of a Martinmas Festival. The lantern walk which is a traditional autumn celebration held as the days get shorter and the nights grow longer in the days leading up to the Winter Solstice. It is a celebration that inspires a connection to the rhythms of nature, community, and the light within. The Lantern Walk is a ritual designed to remind children that they are the light in the darkness, and this spark of life is within every one of us. On the night of the lantern walk, we light our luminaries and sing lantern songs to bring the light deep into our hearts as a way to carry it with us through the long dark days of winter.

This year our younger children and their families took part in the lantern walk together this past friday at a nearby park. Tonight the older children are holding their own lantern walk followed by a bonfire celebration. " https://madisonwaldorf.org/weekly-blog/martinmas-lantern-walk

The Lantern Walk is my favorite festival. I love the songs, the little lights in the night, the stories of giving and selflessness. This year, while we are doing so many things differently our Lantern Walks may look different too. But we can still make lanterns and sing our songs and give to others. This is the time for coat drives and food drives, donating to shelters and food banks. 

This month's Tale introduces us to Lottie, who will be having wonderful Lantern Walk ! I can't wait to enjoy this month adventuring with her with my 10 year old. Please share with me your children's creative writing pages - I LOVE to see what they come up with. It reminds us that storytelling truly is magic. Something created from the ether, from our individual experiences and with each story-starter card there are infinite ways a story can be continued and it will be different for everyone. The unlimited possibilities is a magic that consistently thrills me. 

This time of year taking our inside lights into the darkness of winter is so important. We will want to help each other remember that nobody is alone and we are all in this life together.

Our school, where my son goes to 4th grade and where I used to teach (and am still on the festival committee ;), has a lovely Lantern Walk page. Please visit it to hear some songs and see different ways to make lanterns. Our very wonderful teachers have a lot of beauty to offer. And ask me questions if you have them! Because our school is currently all virtual we will be creating our own little lantern walks in our neighborhoods and communities. It will be different but ever so lovely all the while. Visit Mountain Sage Lantern Walk. I would love to hear what your favorite lantern song is and which sort of lantern you are making this year. Let me know in the comments below!

And while it will certainly be different this holiday season, hopefully we can somewhat revel in the simplicity of this year. Hopefully we can support our local businesses as much as possible so they can still be here when things are back to normal again. Consider ordering from your favorite business - those you can't imagine not having anymore! Order online or get gift cards for future gatherings, classes, yoga or goods. 

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You will always find a second Tale (see below) in your digital account (please let me know if you don't have one yet!) also translated into Spanish and French - and sometimes Dutch and German as well. 

https://www.twelvelittletales.com/blog/a-lantern-walk-tale

https://www.mountainsage.org/lantern-walk/