The children in the lower grades were busy yesterday tidying their rooms and placing their shoes out neatly in anticipation for a visit from Saint Nicholas. This morning those eager boys and girls found treasures of clementines and small shells in their shoes waiting for them, sometimes with a hint of glitter left behind from their secret visitor.
We have just entered into the season of Advent. Traditionally celebrated the four Sundays before the winter solstice, it marks a time of introspection as we all await the return of the sun and lengthening days. This seasonal remembrance of light takes place in many cultures across the globe. At our Waldorf school, we mark this season with weekly Advent spiral walks.
In Waldorf Education, we believe strongly in working with the influences of the natural world, noticing and celebrating the changes in the seasons. Now that fall is upon us, teachers and students are preparing for the festival of Michaelmas, which recognizes the figure of St. Michael. Little noted in modern times, Michael was a powerful figure in days of yore. Better known to us today is Michael's association with St. George, the patron saint of England, as he fights the dragon.
Traditionally, May Faire heralds lengthening days, fertile soil, and the promise of abundance. It also reminds us that we have persevered through the challenging, contemplative season of winter and moved into the exuberant spring. This exuberance is reflected at the Faire with joyous and colorful May pole dancing, flower garlands, music, games, and food.
The calendar tells us that February 2 is Groundhog Day. This is the day we look towards the predictive powers of the Groundhog to discern whether our winter is nearly through. What are the roots of this celebration?
his year's Yuletide Revels performance, presented from the Meadowbrook Music Program, is a medieval mystery play celebrating the winter solstice. Renowned Rhode Island music teacher, Joe Smith, has drawn works from sacred and secular traditions that interweave the familiar and beloved with the rare and intriguing.
We have just entered into the season of Advent. Traditionally celebrated the four Sundays before the winter solstice, it marks a time of introspection as we all await the return of the sun and lengthening days. This seasonal remembrance of light takes place in many cultures across the globe. At our Waldorf school, we mark this season with weekly Advent spiral walks.
Autumn is a time to reflect on our inner selves, to find the inner light that will carry us through this time of darkness. It can be a time to look forward to, with its opportunity to know ourselves in a deeper way. Waldorf schools mark this season of inner searching with three fall festivals to help guide us on this path of introspection.
The children have been practicing this week for our Michaelmas celebration. The pageant is the same every year and each class plays a pivotal role in the story.
We have entered into the season of Advent. Traditionally celebrated the four Sundays before the winter solstice, it marks a time of introspection as we all await the return of the sun and lengthening days. This seasonal remembrance of light takes place in many cultures across the globe. At our Waldorf school, we celebrate with Advent spiral walks and Advent tables.