Nostalgic memories and a DIY guide for the owl lantern for St. Martin's Day

St. Martin's Day was something very special in the 1970s. Weeks beforehand, we would gather at home, sit around the table, surrounded by tracing paper and craft materials, and look forward to making lanterns. This anticipation of creating a lantern together with the family not only brought creativity into everyday life, but also a special closeness and warmth that can still be felt today. One of the most popular lanterns that many of us made was the owl lantern. It was easy to make and enchanted with its friendly face and the warm light that shone from its eyes.

DIY instructions: Make your own owl lantern like in the 70s

This lantern requires no high-tech materials—just a few simple things and the desire to create something by hand. The crafting itself becomes a nostalgic experience that evokes memories of your own childhood.

Materials:

• Empty can or alternatively a round cardboard box for the basic structure
• Colorful tracing paper (red, yellow, orange, and brown for the feathers)
• Cardboard (for wings and beak)
• Glue and scissors (school glue and simple scissors are sufficient)
• Wire and a wooden stick (for carrying the lantern)
• Tealight or LED candle (for a safer option)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the base: Remove the bottom of the can and file down any sharp edges. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy cardboard ring. The can provides stability to the lantern and is perfect for creating the owl shape.
2. Create the owl's face: Cut out two large white circles for the eyes and glue smaller black circles onto them for the pupils. The eyes will go on the front of the tin so they glow when the tea light is lit. Between the eyes, place the beak: Cut out a small triangle from the cardboard and glue it on.
3. Add wings and feathers: Cut two oval wings out of the cardboard and decorate them with the black marker. The feathers are created by layering strips of tracing paper around the entire lantern. These allow the light to gently shine through and give the owl a lively look.
4. Attach the lantern pole: Thread a wire through two holes at the top of the can and attach it to a wooden pole. This allows you to safely carry the owl while it casts a warm glow.
5. Use lighting: Place a tea light or an LED candle in the lantern and it will shine beautifully in the dark.

The Lantern Procession: A Magical Moment in Childhood

The big moment came when all the lanterns were finished and the lantern parade began. We children walked hand in hand with our parents, the lanterns swaying to the rhythm of our footsteps, and the colors danced in the cool autumn air. We heard the rustling of the leaves underfoot, and the streets were filled with traditional St. Martin's songs. The glowing eyes of the homemade owl lanterns reminded us how proud we were of our own creations.

At the end of the parade, something special often awaited us: a large cup of warm pumpkin soup, smelling of home invitations and warming our cold hands. It was more than just a meal; it was a moment of togetherness and security, where we shared the memories of the evening together. This tradition remains one of my fondest childhood memories—not only because of the lights and music, but also because of the feeling of holding something homemade in our hands.

Conclusion: Rediscover tradition and memory

Craft an owl lantern just like the old days and immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of St. Martin's Day. Crafting and carrying a homemade lantern is a wonderful opportunity to experience and share nostalgic traditions. Whether you're crafting with children or want to recapture some childhood magic yourself, the owl lantern will bring a smile to your face and remind you of that warm, cozy feeling of yesteryear.

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