Festivals

One of the most distinguishing features of a Waldorf school is its festivals. These festivals bring together the curriculum and the seasons to establish a rhythm and a tradition that the children feel deeply.

Halloween / Fall Festival

This magical evening for children and families of the school is offered as a gentle, nurturing and healthy replacement for trick-or-treating. Held on October 31st each year, festivities begin around sunset and include a lantern walk, representative of Martinmas, formed from jack-o-lanterns carved by each of our families. Children wear simple homemade costumes without face paint or masks so they may easily recognize each other and take delight in their costumes. Story time, singing and delicious home baked treats round out the evening.

Through the Waldorf curriculum, Halloween is embraced as a time to celebrate the fullness of life. The lantern walk symbolizes the light of generosity.

Advent Spiral Garden Festival

The Spiral Garden Festival was created by a Waldorf teacher. It has become the symbol for Advent and a tradition for the nursery through the primary grades in Waldorf School communities. This reverent candle lit ceremony takes place on the first Sunday of Advent. School children over the age of three may participate in this peaceful ceremony while younger children sit quietly on parent’s laps and observe.

Advent, a time of inner searching, spans the four Sundays which lead up to the arrival of the solstice. Solstice means ‘Sun Stands Still’. For a few days around the winter solstice the sun appears to stand still, and the daylight is the shortest of the year. This turning point marks the return or “rebirth” of the sun. Introspection, anticipation and hope are woven into the tapestry of our souls during this time. Through the darkness of the earth we await the birth of a new inner light ~ ennobling our thoughts and deeds. All the kingdoms of nature: the mineral, plant, animal and human kingdoms await the coming birth. Advent is a journey inward of the soul where we become aware of the eternal light in each of us and all mankind.

MayDay Festival

On May Day we celebrate the “coming in” of summer. Cold, dark days are long gone and we look forward to the slower moving, warmer days ahead. We breathe out along with the earth, with flowers and music, singing and dancing. Parents come together ahead of time to fashion garlands of flowers, May crowns, for all children to wear. Each child, ribbons in hand, dances around the Maypole, singing songs and reciting verses they have learned. Finally, we all come together to share a festive pot-luck picnic. The entire school community celebrates this festival including many grandparents, friends and prospective students.