Festivals and Events
The Waldorf School of Louisville is non-sectarian; we do not teach any religious view. Students from a wide range of religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are welcomed at our school and differences are respected. Seasonal festivals are observed in the classroom and at school assemblies. The curriculum itself, through the Old Testament studies, Norse, Indian, Egyptian, Roman and Greek mythologies, provides many opportunities to share other religious and cultural traditions in the classroom.
When it is developmentally appropriate, and if it can be done without religious instruction, we like to acknowledge and share in the religious customs and celebrations enjoyed by our families. If you are interested in celebrating special holidays in your child’s classroom, we encourage you to give suggestions to your child’s teacher. Parent participation helps to make these festivals meaningful and special. Parents are welcome to keep their children home in observance of their own religious holidays.
We strive to bring a universal nature to our celebrations of festivals through their connection with the rhythms of the earth and the cosmos. We feel that the ceremonies and rituals associated with them help reveal the deeper significance in many everyday occurrences. The living rhythms of the year, though taken up in each class in different ways, help provide a common foundation for the children.
Michaelmas
Festival of Courage
Our first festival is held the last weekend of September. The Apocrypha, Koran, and Bible share the spiritual figure of Michael, an archangel and protector of human kind, inspiring strength, courage and will throughout history. The motif of a conqueror of the dragon can be seen in Chinese art, in the story of Apollo and the serpent, in Krishna slaying demons and in the familiar story of Saint George and the dragon.
Michael overcoming the dragon with his sword of light is an image that calls us all to be courageous, to take command of the dragon and transform it. For each of us has our own dragon: fear, greed, thoughtlessness, apathy. Michael’s qualities of courage, compassion, and steadfastness can be an inspiration to us all.
Martinmas
Festival of Illumination
In mid-November we gather to share the light of our community as we prepare for the coming darkness and cold of winter. The second grade brings us the story of St. Martin, a Roman soldier who cut his cloak in two to share with a poor beggar. Many Waldorf schools hold lantern walks around the time of St. Martin’s feast day, November 11th. Our school gathers warm clothing to share with others and with homemade lanterns we walk a silent and thoughtful passage of candlelight.
May Fest
Festival of Rebirth
After mid-winter, the days begin to lengthen, and the sun not only brightens the outer world, but lightens our inner selves as well. As spring approaches, new life appears and buds burst into blossom- the rebirth of life is upon us. This is a festival of abundance and joy where we are given an opportunity to welcome the new babies in our community, dance the Maypole, sing and create crowns of willow and flowers.
Class Festivals and Events
The Rose Ceremony
As our fifth grade students begin their final year they welcome first graders with a rose for each student. The roles are reversed at the closing of the year as first graders continue their journey in Waldorf and bid farewell to the fifth grade.
The Knighting Ceremony
This ceremony is held near the time of our family Festival of Courage, and asks the second grade students to find courage within themselves. The ceremony is presided over by the Lord and Lady who perform the knighting and charge each child to “go forth and do good deeds”.
Harvest Festivals
Individual classes may take upon themselves the task of sharing a special harvest festival. In third grade, the students may use their cooking and measuring block to create a bountiful feast for their friends and families. Other classes may visit a farm and work with the produce at that time or work with seasonal stories, songs and verses. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the classes welcome grandparents or other special friends in your child’s life to visit with us before our holiday dismissal.
St. Nicholas Day
Celebrated on December 6th, a special visitor may pay a visit to the grades classes and leaves a gift in each child’s shoe.
Santa Lucia Day
On December 13th the second grade celebrates the Swedish festival of Santa Lucia. The oldest girl in the class holds the honor of wearing a crown of greenery and with her class shares a song and saffron rolls with rest of the school.
Winter Spiral
Early winter celebrates a turning point when darker and shorter days become even more illuminated by candlelight. We experience a mood of anticipation, preparation, and waiting. In walking the spiral of the Winter Garden, the younger children receive in reverence the light for their own candles. Our oldest students serve as assistants to children on the early childhood program. This silent ceremony gives us time to reflect within ourselves as we light our own light to carry us through the winter. Students traditionally receive an apple upon completion of walking the spiral.
These family festivals rely on Parent support. The Festival Committee is an opportunity to be even more involved with the creation and delivery of these celebrations.
