Description
The changing of seasons affects all of us, much like our breath or heartbeat, providing a natural and gentle rhythm to our lives. Nature keeps revealing its various faces, and the balance between light and darkness is ever-shifting, constantly influencing our mood and the way we look at the world. There’s something magical about noticing and celebrating these moments throughout the year.
Children, in particular, are deeply connected to and inspired by nature’s rhythm, and Waldorf pedagogy has always recognized and addressed this fundamental need. The seasonal festivals and celebrations that are an essential part of Waldorf pedagogy play an important role in helping children stay in touch with the rhythm of the seasons and the passage of time. These festivals help us look beyond ourselves, keeping wonder alive while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
One such tradition is the Lantern Walk, held on the occasion of St. Martin’s Day (11th November). It’s one of the most intimate and touching seasonal holidays we’ve ever experienced. And now, for the first time, with the guidance of a Waldorf pedagogue, Hadeja Adeva Horvat, we want to bring the magic of this tradition closer to you in a two-part event organized at Gnezdo Family Center in Ljubljana.
ABOUT THE EVENTS AND THE EXPERIENCE
To ensure we have ample time to prepare and connect, we have planned two in-person gatherings at the heartwarming Gnezdo:
- On 12th November (Sunday) at 9:00, parents and children will come together for a morning of introductions and the crafting of our very own special lanterns. Tadeja will introduce us to a unique technique, transforming plain mason jars into something enchanting using colorful wool. As our hands work their magic, our hearts will be warmed by cups of tea, and we’ll learn songs for the upcoming event.
- On 18th November (Saturday) at 17:00, we will reconvene at Gnezdo for the celebration. Families will be welcomed by the soft glow of lights and a sprinkle of magic. Together, we will enjoy a puppet show, lovingly narrated from heart-to-heart by Tadeja, centered around the seasonal theme. Following the show, we’ll take our lanterns outside for a community walk in the surrounding area. It’s a time for togetherness and wonder.
And while we’re not sharing all the details about the roots and deeper meaning of this celebration yet (because we would love for parents to experience it with the same open hearts and wonder as our children do!), rest assured that Tadeja will provide additional guidance to help you comprehend the essence of the holiday. After the event, all participants will receive a DIGITAL GUIDE from us. This guide introduces us to the deeper meanings and seasonal connections of the celebration and provides ideas on how to incorporate it into your own family traditions in the coming years. So, it’s not just a memorable event; it’s an experience that you can carry home with you!
ABOUT HADEJA
Hadeja is a daughter, wife, mother, Waldorf educator, and director of Zavod Livija. She is a promoter of compassionate pedagogy among individuals, families, and professionals. Hadeja’s guiding motto is: “The transformation of the external world commences with the transformation within oneself.”
PARTICIPATION
Who is this event for? The event is tailor-made for children aged 3-7 years old, along with a parent to join in the fun. The main language of the event is Slovene, but – the Noemi the co-host being an expat herself – international families are warmly welcome, too!
Participation fee: For 1 child and adult, the participation fee is 39.00 euros. This fee covers all the essential materials for the craft activity, along with delightful refreshments during both events. Our cozy Gnezdo space allows us to comfortably accommodate ten children with one accompanying parent. If you’d like to bring more family members, be it another adult or child, simply purchase additional tickets for them.
Cancellation: Given the nature of the event and the unique experience it offers, we recommend participating in both gatherings. Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate cancellations in-between. However, should you find yourself unable to attend the event, the tickets are transferable.
Location: Gnezdo Family Center (Trg Komandata Staneta 5, Ljubljana-Šiška). Before attending the event, please familiarize yourself with the house rules of the venue.
ABOUT OUR “EVERYDAY WALDORF” CONCEPT:
This event is part of our “Everyday Waldorf” initiative. Through our own experiences and insights gathered from the parents we work with, we’ve come to realize that finding accessible information about Waldorf pedagogy for parents is more challenging compared to other alternative educational methods like Montessori. Our goal is to make it easier for parents to access valuable information and take away inspiration for their daily lives and parenting. Waldorf pedagogy holds a wealth of wisdom and beauty, and we want to share this with all parents, not just those belonging to a Waldorf community. Our initiative also aims to provide parents whose children are already attending Waldorf kindergartens or schools with a deeper understanding of the pedagogy and its traditions.
