The Lantern Walk is a festival that marks the threshold time of year between longer summer days and longer winter nights.
From Nature herself we can witness the in breath of the Earth as she pulls the plants back toward her. The leaves begin to fall and cover the ground with a blanket of protection and quietude. During this time, we humans also find ourselves pulling inward. Yet, it is at this very inward-pulling time that we rekindle our connection to our own inner most self. While all of Nature is falling asleep, we are called to "wake up" and take note of our own inner flame. Festivals are a way of marking these poignant occasions in community with one another; and some would add, in collaboration with the Earth and the Heavens.
The early childhood community of WIWS would like to celebrate and honor this time together with a Lantern Walk at Maxwelton Beach on Friday, November 9th, 4:30-5:30in the evening. We have timed this event so that we can gather in the light, walk in the dusk and finish in the dark. In this way, we can move together through this threshold, shining our little lights with one another in a community of love and good will. And a large community we will be....Butterfly, Golden Forest and Sunflower classes, plus any interested Rosebud families. We are making our lanterns at school for this occasion while singing lantern songs both familiar and unfamiliar. Of course, the preparation is almost as important as the festival itself! (Below is a more detailed schedule of the hour)
4:30---early bird arrivals: play at the beach/playground for short time. Warm cider available
4:50 Light lanterns and gather to commence our beach walk
4:55 Begin our walk together
5:20 Return to public beach area, Adults sing "Oh How Lovely Is the Evening" for the children
5:30 Say goodnight to one another with a shared experience of darkness and candle light
Remember! We will be at a beach in November. Please dress accordingly!!
The public park at Maxwelton Beach is called Dave Mackie Park. Take Maxwelton Road (away from Langley) all the way until you come to the end. There you will find Dave Mackie park. There is parking on both sides of the big field. Please ask a teacher or another parent if you need further instructions.
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