Now that the golden leaves are fading and the days grow shorter and colder, we have the opportunity to cultivate our inner summer, to nourish our inner light. Autumn and winter give us time to pause and turn inward to reassess our actions, to think about the direction of our lives, to reach out to others with warmth of heart, to count our blessings. We celebrate this inner light in a variety of ways in Waldorf education. Just as Michaelmas was the harbinger of Autumn, we have several heralds of Winter, each one created to meet specific ages at our school.
The Lantern Walk, Friday, November 8, 5:00 for First and Second Grade and their families
From France comes the story of St. Martin, who as a young soldier passed under an archway of the city of Amiens and discovered a poor beggar huddled there. The beggar was barely clothed, and shivering with cold. Upon seeing him, the young Martin took his cloak from his own shoulders, tore the garment in half, and covered the poor man to warm him. The following night Martin had a dream in which he saw an angel wearing this same piece of his cloak. The experience confirmed in him his devotion to the well-being of all humankind regardless of their station in life. Martin went on to become patron saint of beggars and outcasts, and was known for his gentleness, his unassuming nature and his ability to bring warmth and light to those in need.
As we journey into the darkest time of the year, it is increasingly important for each of us to kindle warmth and light in our hearts. Martin’s cloak can remind us to share with those in need. The gently glowing lanterns of Martinmas will give way to the candles of the advent spiral as we draw nearer to the Solstice, showing how our inner light must shine ever brighter against the cold. As nature sleeps, let us be wakeful in our hearts! (submitted by Elisabeth Tarsio)
Early Childhood Advent Garden, Sunday, November 24, 4:00
This festival combines aspects of the Lantern Walk and the Advent Spiral. Our own courage to enter into the spiral, to go deeply inward to find our spiritual center is symbolized by the spiral. The kindergarten children will lead their families through the spiral to find the light in the center. The children will light their lanterns and find a special spot to place their light along the path. With the gift of each light we will experience our Advent Garden growing brighter and brighter in the dark night. The whole family is welcome to join in this celebration of the gift of light; this is an outdoor event so dress warmly.
Grades Advent Spiral, Monday, December 2 (specific times to be announced)
This is an indoor spiral. Unlike the Early Childhood spiral, where the children have the comfort of the whole family to guide them into the center, in this spiral the grades child enters alone, finding his way to the center candle. As each child kindles her own candle and then sets it down among the evergreen boughs, she offers her light to others, just as each of us, in kindling our inner light, provides warmth and light to others in our lives. Families and friends are welcome to observe this celebration with us.
Submitted by Julie McCallan