Bright lights slowly twinkle through the branches of the early evening forest. Our students, with lanterns lit and shining, make their way along the trail.
The glow of their lanterns symbolizes the light that burns brightly within each of them.
Each November, Waldorf students celebrate kindness, generosity, and compassion at the Martinmas Lantern Walk. Children makes their own beautiful lantern, and after the sun sets, they gather round a bonfire for a story and songs. The lighting of the lanterns brightens the landscape, and then lanterns in hand, the children wind their way through the woods.
Martinmas celebrates the life of fourth century Saint Martin of Tours, who brought warmth and hope to those in need. He was known for his gentleness, love of children, and unassuming generosity. As a young man he passed through city gates and saw a poor beggar, huddled and shivering with cold. He took off his cloak, tore it in two, and covered the beggar with half to warm him. The following night, Martin had a dream in which an angel was wearing the same torn half of the cloak he had given the beggar. This dream confirmed in him his care and devotion for all humankind.
As the seasons shift and darken, and shorter days lie ahead, the lantern walk inspires each of us to kindle the light within our hearts so it may shine brightly. The story of St. Martin reminds us to have compassion and understanding for our fellow humans, and to take care of those in need.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Underneath the moonlight, I’m gonna let it shine
For my brothers and my sister, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
