There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it-
Edith Wharton
On 21 December 2018 the annual Lights & Lanterns festival, a celebration of kindness, compassion and gratitude, will enchant and delight onlookers for the third time as more than a thousand candles will be floated on the Great Brak River. This year promises to be even more spectacular as several new and exciting elements have been added.
This ceremony highlighted several things – that the simplest gestures could create moments of great happiness and pleasure; that special times with family are truly precious; that the smallest glimmer of light, even from one humble candle, is magnificent; and most importantly, that it is vital to spread light in whichever way we can.
“I use only recycled material for the festival – plastic bottles, discarded electric piping and wires. Everything is placed on floatable pallets, with the bottles weighed down with sand for safety purposes. The greatest care possible is taken to ensure that no pollution takes place in the river or on the riverbanks. To achieve this, several people in canoes or boats stay on the river throughout the event and a cleanup takes place immediately afterwards.
“Cards and candles will be sold beforehand. People can write any message – of appreciation, positivity, inspiration, hope and love – on the cards and attach them to the illuminated maypoles. Containers for the candles will be provided on the ground. Candles & cards @ R20 are available at the following outlets; TOTAL GREAT BRAK, Outspan Market: at the Great Brak Museum Stall and @ Home Baking in Longstreet.
Laurinda Smit can be contacted on 082 738 8011 or follow us on @ThePostGardenRoute or www.thepost.org.za
