Martinmas - Lantern Walk

 Watercolor painting to make their lanterns

The children gathered together under the warm California skies with brushes and paint to watercolor

paint their lanterns.

Each children bringing forth their creations

Reds and yellows were used to illuminate their paper so the beautiful candlelight will shine more intensely. Interesting shades emerged as the reds and yellows danced together. The painting was stained with oil and then folded many times.  Oil was washed over these paintings to make it translucent for the candlelight to glow through. Once dried the children folded their paper many times creating different angles. We have had German volunteers working on our farm this season so they taught the children some German lantern songs for the walk.

Soft wire was inserted to the top part of the lantern and then joined in the center to attach a bamboo stick.  The lantern hung gently in front of them as they walked.

The lantern walk

A festive celebration it was!  The parents of Spirit Mountain made delicious healthy soups and the guests brought artisan bread and/or apple cider.

We all joined together to form a large circle as the little school blessed the dinner.  Blankets were laid out on the lawn and meals were enjoyed.  As the sun sank behind the golden hills all the pretty the lanterns were lit. A sweet melody was sung by the children as we walked the farm paths.  We all had a glorious time!

Thank you Lori, and all the children, for this wonderful festival.