In most Waldorf schools, a traditional autumn celebration that happens when the days get shorter and the nights grow longer is a fall lantern walk. It is a celebration that inspires a connection to the rhythms of nature, community, and the light within.
The Bright Water Waldorf School Lantern Walk is a ritual designed to remind children that they are the light in the darkness. On the night of the lantern walk, we gather as a class or community, light our luminaries, walk along a path or navigate the woods, and sing lantern songs. This traditional ritual reminds all of us to bring the light deep into our hearts and carry it with us throughout the long and dark days of winter. The lantern walk is usually a quieter and meditative celebration.
A wonderful way to bring this special energy into your own home is to create a lantern with your child. You can host a family or neighborhood lantern walk or use your lantern for fall or holiday table decor. An easy and beautiful DIY lantern is a simple mason jar with tissue and leaves.
What You’ll Need for Tissue Paper Jar Lanterns
Mason jar
Tissue paper
Paintbrush
Fall leaves
Glue/water or Modge Podge
Yarn, wire, thin rope, or wire tinsel
Tealight or LED tealight
Tissue paper, fall leaves, and glue and water (or Mod Podge) are a match made in heaven. It will make things easier if you pre-cut and/or have tissue paper already cut into smaller shapes and pieces. You can use any size of a jar for these tissue paper lanterns.
How to Make Tissue Paper Jar Lanterns
To begin the lantern, cover the jar with a thin layer of glue/water or Mod Podge. Next, press the tissue paper square, circles, or strips on top, overlapping them slightly. Add leaves or cut-out shapes. Seal with another layer of glue/water or Mod Podge and let dry. Once dry, add a handle with wire, tinsel, or finger knitting, and add the tealight.
