A Glimpse into the Magic of the Fossil Bay Lantern Festival
Celebrating the Lantern Festival: A Time of Light and Community
The highly anticipated Lantern Festival is taking place on the 26th June 2024.
Festivals mark the rhythm of the year and the changing seasons. Steiner spoke of the annual cycle as the Earth’s mighty breath in relation to the cosmos: winter forces are drawn inward from the cosmos, while summer forces are breathed outward. Winter is often seen as a time of dormancy. However, on Waiheke, where rain brings new growth, winter is symbolically rich, with the Earth’s forces at their most active, working within.
This season is also believed to be a time when the veil between the human and spirit worlds is at its thinnest, reminding us that help from the Spirit world, God, or the Great Universe is always available. It is a time to recognise the approaching cold and darkness, and to honour the light within each of us. This inner light, like the flame in our lanterns, needs protection from being extinguished.
The Essence of the Festival
The Lantern Festival is a celebration of the light that shines forth from each of us. As the darkness of winter closes in, we gather to support one another, fostering a sense of belonging within our families and the wider community, and sharing our light with others. At the winter solstice, the turning point of the year, the days are at their shortest and begin to lengthen.
In the lead-up to the Lantern Festival, children engage in making lanterns, singing songs, and hearing stories about midwinter darkness and the importance of guarding our inner light. The celebration takes place in the enchanting setting of Fossil Bay Farm, where we walk together, singing festival songs along a pathway lit by glowing crystal grottos. This magical evening is a cherished experience for both children and adults, highlighting the light that shines within us all.
Guided by Our Lanterns
Our journey, illuminated by the lanterns we create, culminates in a gathering around a bonfire, where we share food, warmth, light, humanity, and community.
Ngā mihi o Matariki (Happy Matariki)
Matariki is a special time in New Zealand, marking the start of the Māori New Year. The Matariki star cluster, also known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, reappears in our night sky, inviting us to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. This year, Matariki is celebrated with a public holiday for the first time on June 24.
Ways to Celebrate Matariki with Your Whānau
Reflect on the Past: Remember loved ones who have passed away by sharing stories and memories with your whānau, visiting their resting places, lighting a candle, or writing down your hopes and dreams for the coming year.
Practice Te Reo Māori: Say ‘Happy Matariki’ in te reo Māori: ‘Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori’.
Get Crafty: Make Matariki star bunting or a kite with the kids. Flying kites is a special feature of Matariki celebrations, symbolizing the stars. You could also make and play traditional Māori games, create poi, and learn to use them in song and dance.
Attend Local Events: Participate in Matariki festivals and celebrations around the country, including storytelling, kite-making, performances, and exhibitions.
Cook Together: Prepare a mid-winter feast for friends and whānau using traditional Māori vegetables such as kumara, kamo kamo, taro, puha, and uwhi.
Stargaze: Spend an evening outside looking for the Matariki star cluster.
Learn More: Research Matariki as a family.
Get Creative: Involve your kids in a project about Matariki, such as creating a poster or presentation. Use images of the Matariki star cluster for inspiration.