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. 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.