Bringing Light into a Dark World by John Clarke Many countries around the world have traditions associated with Winter, most often centring on fire and light. The ancient Persians and the Norsemen built bonfires; the English and Scots burned their Yule log. In Germany there is the lantern walk (Laternenlauf). Its history is uncertain, but… Continue reading Laternenfest 24th July

by John Clarke There are many festivals and celebrations in Germany, but one that is particularly connected with children is the Laternenlauf (lantern walk). On 11 November (St Martin’s Day), in the depths of Winter, children gather to make lanterns, which they then light and carry, singing lantern songs, through the darkness: Laterne, Laterne, Sonne,… Continue reading An Old German Tradition in a New Setting