My son attends a Waldorf School, for those of you who are not familiar with the Waldorf Ways, well, they do things somewhat differently to most mainstream  curricula - much to my delight! Waldorf schools were founded on an intense understanding of the nature of the world, in its entirety and nearly everything is learnt through play and action (even mathematics and science). You can learn more about how Waldforf Schools work HERE.

One thing that I really love about the school, which some might not agree with, is how they learn about different religions. While the school follows no set religion, they do acknowledge festivals and traditions that are prominent in more Western Christianity, especially those involve nature. One of the more recent festivals that my son celebrated with his young friends at school is the Michaelmas (pronounced mikel-mis) festival, which is usually celebrated by many around the world on the 29th of September every year.

Drawings done by some of the kids at my son's school

The Origins of Michaelmas 

Michalemas is also known as the feast of St Michael and All Angels and is celebrated as autumn approaches (even though spring is in season in the Southern Hemisphere, the festival is still acknowledged by many).  St Michael is one of the main warrior angels who fought against the devil and his evil angels. He is said to bring light to darker times. Since the colder months have longer nights, this saint is celebrated as the bringer of light and protector during the difficult winter months. Since harvests are gathered and stored for the cold seasons, it is during this time that farmers and workers alike would join in a feast in anticipation of the quieter months ahead.

In British folklore, Old Michaelmas Day, 10th October, is the last day that blackberries should be picked. It is said that on this day, when Lucifer was expelled from Heaven, he fell from the skies, straight onto a blackberry bush. He then cursed the fruit, scorched them with his fiery breath, spat and stamped on them and made them unfit for consumption! And so the Irish proverb goes:“On Michaelmas Day the devil puts his foot on blackberries”.  -http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Michaelmas/

In Waldorf schools, the festival often focuses on the inner strength and courage that St Michael portrays - and then encourages children to focus on their own light, inner strength, and courage. In the above picture St Michael is seen fighting a dragon with his sword. 

 “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels” 

How Michaelmas Is Celebrated In Waldorf Schools 

Teachers begin the festivities off by telling stories of bravery and courage, the older children usually put on a play of when St Michael defeated an evil dragon along with King George. Tables are decorated with brightly colored daisies, usually red, yellow and orange in color. Then a feast of bread is prepared, usually made by the students themselves, and they are enjoyed around the festive table. The younger children dig furrows in the garden and bury the dragon's teeth, to signify putting fears to rest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This year my toddler and his classmates mad butterfly kites together. These kites symbolize the notion that while the wind tugs one upwards, we anchor down firmly to earth (while evil prevails, we resist with courage and strength). 

For the seed of love within us

For the beauty all around

For the strength of truth before us

Praises sings to God!

Team South Africa banner designed by @bearone

Much love - @sweetpea

(bringing you original content)