Submitted by Salmonberry School.

Join us Friday Nov. 10, 4-6 p.m. for an Orcas Community Lantern Walk!

The Lantern Walk, which coincides with Martinmas, also known as St. Martin’s Day, is an annual celebration held all the world over honoring the beginning of the season of giving as we head into winter. Children, parents and friends gather as the sun sets, carrying handmade lanterns symbolizing our own individual lights that shine bright even in times of darkness.

We would love all of the Orcas community to gather at the Village Green on Friday, Nov. at 10 at 4 p.m. to learn and sing the songs and then take a night time stroll carrying our lanterns to Salmonberry. Once at Salmonberry, we will sing the songs again and have a small fire and some cookies. Parents are asked to walk with their children and to help preserve the mood of the evening by joining in the singing and encouraging the children in reverence and calm.

Rain or Shine. Come dressed in plenty of warm layers and bring your lantern! Bring something warm to drink for yourselves or your family or something to share after the walk if you feel like it. Sunset will be 4:38 pm!

WHAT IS MARTINMAS?

The festival of Martinmas is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 11, between the fiery out-breath of Michaelmas and the deep in-breath of the winter holidays. It honors, in a universal way, the story of St. Martin, patron saint of beggars and outcasts, who was known for his gentleness and his ability to bring warmth and light to those in need.