Festival & Celebrations
Michaelmas
Michaelmas is an ancient Fall festival that dates back to the sixth century and coincides with the autumnal equinox, when the days begin to shorten and the nights become darker and colder. This celebration encourages bravery in these darkening months of Fall and Winter.
Legends describe St. Michael facing and taming a dragon, which also signifies facing the darkness. Celebrating deeds of strength and courage, of facing “dragons” both external and internal, is the lesson from these stories. Michaelmas is also a time to celebrate the harvest season, when the bounty of Summer is carefully gathered and prepared to nourish and sustain us through Winter’s cold.
Our Waldorf School of Louisville Michaelmas season includes the following events:
- Knighting Ceremony
- Dragon Faire
- Festival of Courage
Michaelmas Verse
Brave Saint Michael is my guide,
As free and fearless forth I ride.
With courage of Saint George of old,
I dare to fight fierce dragons bold.
Brave and true I will be
Each good deed sets me free.
Each kind word makes me strong.
I will fight for the right,
I will conquer the wrong.
Martinmas & Lantern Walk
The Lantern Walk is a simple, reverent Fall event that offers students a sense of the quiet power of their own inner light. During a peaceful walk that begins at dusk, students carry their handmade lanterns, their outer lights, through the darkness, reminding us of the unique individuality and inner light of each child..
The history of Martinmas and the Lantern Walk comes from the French legend of Saint Martin of Tours, a tale of empathy and generosity. Martin was a soldier in the 4th Century, and legend says that one wintry night, he met a poor man, half-clothed and freezing. He removed his cloak, cut it in two, and gave half to the man. Martin’s actions represent the attitude of brotherliness, a devotion to humankind and the ability to bring warmth and light to those in darkness. In Waldorf schools the world over, Martinmas has come to be a celebration of hope, kindness and the call to help and be a light for others.
Lantern Walk Verse
I walk with my little lantern
my lantern, myself, and I.
Above the stars are shining
down here we are stars to the sky
As the days become shorter and the stars appear earlier, we all begin to turn inward and consider how to find compassion within. We work with the idea of creating an inner and outer light to help guide us through this approaching dark time of the year, calling on the courage we summoned during Michaelmas.
St. Nicholas Day
Celebrated on December 6th, is a warm and beloved tradition in many Waldorf schools throughout the world. This day honors a man, St. Nicholas, the kind-hearted bishop from the 3rd century who inspired the spirit of gift-giving during this festive season. Known for his generosity and acts of kindness, St. Nicholas is remembered for stories of bringing food and other necessities to children in need.
The celebration often begins on the evening of December 5th, when children leave one of their shoes or slippers out in anticipation of St. Nicholas’ visit. In the morning, they are delighted to find their shoes filled with small treasures – perhaps a clementine, polished stones or seashells. These simple, magical gifts evoke the spirit of giving and remind children of the joy that comes from both receiving and sharing.
This tradition is a beautiful model of generosity and care; values that live strongly in our community. We wanted to share a little history about this festive event taking place tomorrow in the classes as a support to the students who may come home with lively stories about St. Nicholas’ visit
Winter Faire
A fun day for the whole family at this annual community event held on campus with local artists, puppet shows, games and more!
Winter Faire offers a unique experience featuring delicious food, crafting activities, and a holiday marketplace showcasing talented local artisans. In addition to these traditional festivities, each child attendee will receive a complimentary “Golden Ticket,” granting access to exciting activities like Face Painting, Falconer Show, Puppet Show, Angel Room, Craft Booths, a special visit from the beloved Pocket Fairy, and snacks like Popcorn, and Hot Chocolate. With all there is to enjoy, Winter Faire sparkles with memorable Holiday Magic!
Winter Spiral
The Winter Spiral is a festival celebrated in Waldorf schools at the solstice, marking the return of light awakening this darkest period in the annual cycle. The walk, designed as a spiral labyrinth, symbolizes the rhythms of the season and the inner journey to find one’s own light. As our students walk the spiral, they move from the summer solstice inward to the winter solstice at the center, then back out, symbolizing the cycles of nature and the personal journey toward self-discovery. The path, lighting and music support a time of settling and peace.
The spiral is a universal pattern found in nature, marking growth and transformation. Red apples, often used as the candle holders, symbolize the hidden potential within each person, much like a seed waiting to sprout. Evergreen boughs stand for the enduring power of life, as they remain green even in winter, representing resilience and renewal. Beeswax candles, symbols of eternal love and warmth, light the path, offering a reminder of the constant presence of love. Objects from nature – crystals, seashells, feathers, and fruit – are placed along the path to honor the diversity and interconnectedness of all living things.
Through this sacred walk, our students celebrate the changing seasons while exploring their own inner light and the gifts they will one day share with the world.
Santa Lucia Day
This festival of light (one of many across cultures) named for Santa Lucia is celebrated on her birthday, December 13th (or on the closest school day). Lucia, whose name means “light,” lived in the fourth century in Sicily and her birthday is honored in Sicily with a seasonal celebration. The celebration also found its way to Sweden, carried north by sailors and merchants, beginning in the 18th century, and this is the one we celebrate at our school.
In the traditional celebration, the youngest girl in a family plays the role of Lucia. She rises before dawn and prepares lussekatter, which are festive seasoned rolls. Dressed in a white robe with a red sash, wearing a wreath of candles on her head, Lucia leads a procession, some maids of honor, others star boys, to bring warm buns and hot coffee to the neighboring families.
It is our school tradition that Grade 2 prepares savory treats, and dressed in white, they bring treats to the classes, led by Lucia. The class sings a special Santa Lucia song, which begins, “Now in the winter night, good folk are waiting, see now the maid of light, darkness abating.”
This celebration is another example for the children of caring for others and bringing light, as they are the light of all our futures. We are looking forward to sharing in this joyful celebration with students 🕯️
May Faire
May Faire is a joyous celebration and part of the annual festival life of Waldorf schools throughout the country and around the world. This Spring tradition brings together students, families and community members to bask in the beauty of the blooming natural world and enjoy springtime festivities that awaken the senses and engage the imagination. There is face painting, flower crowns, puppet shows, food trucks and maypole dancing by our students. This is an all-ages event and everyone is welcome.
“Celebrating festivals can bring us consciously to what we all experience instinctively in our daily lives,
the changing cycles of the seasons and of life itself. Through various festivals we acknowledge
and celebrate our connection to and our responsibility toward each other and the world.”
(from Festivals by Marilyn Pelrme)
