When we started the JPLP in 1984, we made lanterns by finger painting on paper, which after it dried, we would coat with vegetable oil to make it translucent. The base and candle holder were made from card board…

This is a story adapted from an old Sufi Tale, as was told by Dev Luthra after attending the first Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade.

THE DANCER OF LIGHT

In the beginning there was the dancer of Light. 

And she danced across the Universe, hopping from star to star, leaping from galaxy to galaxy. She was filled with light, shining her light across the sky.

A RITUAL IS BORN, Helen Hummel, JP Arts News, November 1984

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, October 27 & 28 over 100 children and adults made paper “lampoons” at the Jamaica Pond Boathouse. These colorful lanterns with painted, stamped, leaf-printed and inked designs were made for the Lantern Parade Around the Pond at sunset, November 3rd…