Fall 2023

Celebrating Festivals, Building Community

Dear Colleagues,

Those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere have just passed the autumnal equinox, a time of balance between day and night and the official start of Fall. The days have noticeably shortened - even more so for our colleagues in northern states - trees are turning, and there is a nip in the air. We have also passed through the High Holy Days for those in the Jewish faith, with their invitation for reflection, atonement, and renewed intention.

Many cultures celebrate the changing of the seasons with festivals. At this time of year, festivals mark the fading of the light and encroaching darkness of winter, along with the fruits of summer and the bounty of the harvest. The specific traditions and activities of these festivals vary, but they all tend to celebrate the gifts of light and of the earth. A few examples of these seasonal festivals include the Chinese Moon Festival, September 29; Germany’s Oktoberfest, September 23-October 3; Halloween, October 31; Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead, November 1 and 2; India’s Diwali, November 12; and Thailand’s Long Krathong, November 28. Many have their origins in religious traditions that may have become secularized over time; some have dates that move each year according to the moon's phases; all are guided by the great sweeps of nature with the changing of the seasons, harvest, light, and dark.

Festivals are valued in Waldorf communities; we draw strength by gathering together, marking the passage of time, feeling and expressing gratitude, and sharing food and cultural knowledge. There is a “traditional” calendar of “Waldorf festivals” that takes us from the opening day of school through to the final day of the school year. This “traditional” calendar reflects the European origins of Waldorf education, and schools are charged with developing a manageable cycle of festivals that reflect their school community, location, and cultural practices. As a relevant festival cycle is developed, it is important for us to understand what it is that we are celebrating or honoring, how this is achieved in different cultures, and why we are giving precious time and attention to a particular festival. These explorations give rise to rich conversations with community members, faculty and staff study, and a strengthening of a school community where all members feel seen and honored.

The Festival of Courage in Public Waldorf Schools

Lesser known but widely celebrated in Waldorf schools, this time of year is a “Festival of Courage.” This originates from the ancient European festival of Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29th. It marks a “quarter day” in the Western Christian calendar - and a term in English schools and universities. It also signifies the harvest and the coming of autumn as it falls right after the autumn equinox.

Many of our Public Waldorf schools have adapted this festival to bring its message of inner light, courage, and gratitude to their students. Elements have been added to reflect a school’s location and context. It is typically named a festival of courage or a harvest/fall festival. Courage is a key element, reflected in its popular name: as daylight recedes and nights become longer, we need to help our students and ourselves connect to and strengthen our inner light of courage. This can be an empowering message for children. Courage allows us to stand for what is right, to trust our inner compass. Deeds of courage may be reflected in stories or pageants of overcoming and allowing good to triumph.

Traditionally, stories included battling and overcoming a dragon as a symbol of destruction. This needs careful consideration as dragons are revered in many cultures - an excellent example of the need for cultural awareness and sensitivity and for dialogue with community stakeholders. A large body of poems, songs, and stories lead up to and accompany the Festival of Courage or Michaelmas in an independent Waldorf school. These also require careful review with a public school lens for suitability and possible adaptation.

The Festival of Courage is often celebrated school-wide with assigned roles or activities for different grades. As with most festivals, there may be associated activities, perhaps including selected grades making wooden swords or designing and making shields. The festival often includes traditional festival games as part of the celebration.

In considering celebrating this “Festival of Courage” or any festival, it is important to ask about local traditions and Indigenous practices that mark the harvest and the approaching cold and darkness. Are there resources or advisors available to us in the local community? How could these practices be reflected and incorporated in a festival in meaningful ways that are not cultural appropriation?

Community service is a wonderful aspect of a festival of courage; given its harvest associations, can we engage our students in meaningful service related to harvest, care of the earth, or the preparation of food?

The Festival of Courage has a timeless message of steadfastness, hope, and human possibility. It emphasizes gratitude, inner resolve, and resilience. It is an ancient festival with a contemporary purpose. Meaningful festivals anchor all of us in nature and the cycle of the year, providing great reassurance in a time of rapid change. As with any festival, this Festival of Courage requires our school communities to dig into its elements and bring it with meaning, cultural sensitivity, and inclusiveness.

Wishing each one of us courage, resolve, and inner light,

Liz Beaven

Executive Director

We are thrilled to be offering an in-person Conference this year.

Mark your calendars!!!!

Professional Development and Teacher Preparation

A listing by the Alliance is for information only and does not imply recommendation or endorsement. We encourage school leaders and teachers to fully research offerings before enrollment to ensure they align with their goals and needs. We recommend that you research familiarity with the unique needs and demands of Public Waldorf education. This is particularly important if public funds are used for professional development or teacher preparation.