What is the Festival of Courage?
As autumn comes, the earth ‘expires’ in great beauty. Summer turns to autumn, and the sun’s light becomes more subdued, casting a yellow light over all of nature. Plant life withers and decays. The busy activity of the bees, butterflies and insects fades. Many animals go into hibernation. Temperatures cool and the nights grow longer. Nature withdraws into the earth in the ‘fiery radiance’ of yellows, oranges and reds, bringing a feeling of triumphant glory to the earth. This is the mood of the Festival of Courage.
The Festival of Courage, also known as Michaelmas, historically has honored the archangel Michael. As the days shorten and darkness grows, we are challenged to look within ourselves to find the light, strength, and courage. Celebrating the Festival of Courage consciously helps give us the courage for life and action.
Leading up to the Festival of Courage, the Early Childhood students dye fabric with real marigolds to make capes to serve as a symbol of bravery and strength. On the day of the festival, Tamarack grades students perform an adaptation of the story of St. George taming a fiery dragon. Following the performance, there is a small harvest-themed feast that includes fresh dragon bread baked by parents, jam, and apples. Students participate in games and obstacles of strength and courage, like obstacle courses and sack races.
Festivals are an important part of school life at Tamarack and in Waldorf tradition. By celebrating festivals, we strive to nourish the souls of our children and ourselves. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf Education, stated that by “living into” the seasonal changes of the year, one grows spiritually.
Sources: Daily Wonder Home Learning, Michaelmas Festival of Courage - DAILY WONDER (dailywonderhomelearning.com)
Written by Susan Trafton, former Tamarack Parent, and Molly Wardius, Marketing and Events Coordinator