Festival of Courage: Michaelmas

The Festival of Courage, which is rooted in harvest traditions from the Middle Ages, falls just after the autumnal equinox, as northern climates head into the cold winter months. Michael is an archangel in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, but the festival can be observed by people of all faiths and spiritual traditions, as well as by those simply seeking fortitude in overcoming challenges large and small.

The image of Michael battling shadow forces with his sword of light gives children courage and helps them have faith in their own resolve for difficult tasks ahead.

During the festival, joy and exuberance can be seen on the children’s faces, which is a hallmark of Waldorf education. In the field behind the school, students will carry colorful banners, sing festive songs, perform a dramatization of the St. George and the Dragon story, and play our traditional Michaelmas games.

Throughout the school year, teachers incorporate many special events, such as Michaelmas, that reach children in mind, body, and spirit. The result is engagement in the curriculum, an intrinsic enjoyment of school and learning, and a spirited school community with friendships across the grades.