Festival Life
“...if rituals and festivals have traditionally contributed to the integration and stability of communities and societies, then in the modern context they may do the same for our personal integration and for a healthy social ethos.”
—Diana Carey and Judy Large, from Festivals, Family, and Food
—Diana Carey and Judy Large, from Festivals, Family, and Food
At Olympia Waldorf School, like Waldorf schools around the world, the celebration of seasonal festivals renews our awareness of the rhythms of the year and fosters the children’s relationship to the world into which they grow. Our festivals are brought to life through the efforts of our entire school community and are a cherished part of the life of our school.
Sunflower Ceremony
Each new school year at Olympia Waldorf School begins and with a Sunflower Ceremony. In the fall, at our welcome assembly, it is the role of the new eighth graders to present sunflowers to the budding first graders as they begin their journey through the grades. This year, the first graders walked under the archway of their parent’s arms with quiet reverence while one by one each eighth grader presented them with a sunflower and walked the child to meet their teacher.
Festival of Courage
The Festival of Courage is one of many historical festivals that have evolved over time to encompass both the secular and the spiritual, which are celebrated in Waldorf schools around the world as a sign-post to the changing seasons. We also associate the Festival of Courage with the shortening of days and the beginning of our school year. It's plain to see why we love this festival — for its celebration of the harvest, for its feasting; for its message of bravery and good deeds; for its encouraging transition from one season to another.
The Lantern Walk
The lantern is the symbol of our light which we can shine on a dark world, and in a Waldorf school, we celebrate the holiday by holding a lantern walk. In the preceding weeks students learn songs and make lanterns to carry though the dark. Early childhood families meet for an evening walk in the Kinderwoods followed by warm cider and songs around a fire. The grades families and greater community hold their lantern walk around Capitol Lake.
The Winter Spiral
Traditionally held on the first Sunday of Advent (between November 27th and December 3rd), the experience of the winter spiral reflects the human experience at this time of the year; entering a time of darkness, of shorter days and longer nights and going forward with hope to welcome the light of the sun after the winter solstice.
The tradition honors the seasonal cycle of light and darkness by arranging a simple spiral labyrinth walk. Evergreen boughs are placed in a spiral form on the floor with a large candle in its center. The room is darkened and the mood is peaceful. The spiral begins; one at a time each child walks into the spiral with an unlit candle set into an apple, with or without help from teachers and or parents depending on their needs. The outer edge of the spiral is symbolically of summer solstice when the days are longest. As they make their way into the spiral’s center they pass through autumn and the days grow shorter. At the center they reach the winter solstice where they light their own candle and place it along the spiral. As they return they pass through spring and eventually arrive back at the summer solstice. When all the children have walked the path, the whole spiral is aglow with lights.
A translated historical article is available at the Online Waldorf Library if you would like to learn more about the Advent Spiral tradition.
The tradition honors the seasonal cycle of light and darkness by arranging a simple spiral labyrinth walk. Evergreen boughs are placed in a spiral form on the floor with a large candle in its center. The room is darkened and the mood is peaceful. The spiral begins; one at a time each child walks into the spiral with an unlit candle set into an apple, with or without help from teachers and or parents depending on their needs. The outer edge of the spiral is symbolically of summer solstice when the days are longest. As they make their way into the spiral’s center they pass through autumn and the days grow shorter. At the center they reach the winter solstice where they light their own candle and place it along the spiral. As they return they pass through spring and eventually arrive back at the summer solstice. When all the children have walked the path, the whole spiral is aglow with lights.
A translated historical article is available at the Online Waldorf Library if you would like to learn more about the Advent Spiral tradition.
The Winter Faire
On the first Saturday in December our school celebrates the magic and enchantment of the holiday season. There will be fun for all ages. This celebration is a gift to children all around Olympia! Enjoy warm, freshly-baked gingerbread, music and puppet plays, wonderful new crafts and perennial favorites too! There are magical activities for the whole family!
May Faire
Traditionally, May 1st is the official date of May Day. In many countries this day is celebrated as a traditional springtime festival or as an international day honoring workers. At the Olympia Waldorf School, we celebrate this day with a community gathering: garland making, spring crafts, May Pole Dance, food and games.
