Children! Do you see the dragon in this photo? The sun? St. Michael's sword of courage?
In Waldorf communities, Michaelmas, or the Festival of Courage, is the first festival of the new school year. Traditionally, children might perform the play of St. George taming a fiery dragon with the help of the archangel, St. Michael, who gives him courage. Following the performance, there could be a small harvest-themed feast that might include freshly baked dragon bread baked by the children and seasonal fruits and vegetables, like apples and grapes. The story of taming the dragon symbolizes the inner courage it takes to face our human challenges. As the days grow colder and the nights grow longer, we must find and bring forth our own inner light when the sun, warmth and growth of the earth are fading. St. Michael, who in some versions of the story, gave courage to St. George and in others, gives courage to all the brave people of the village who have to work together to save themselves. Whatever the version, these stories give us courage to uphold what is right and true, and the strength to face the challenges that lie ahead. The story speaks to children in a deeply symbolic way, feeding their innate need for truth and justice. Thus Michaelmas is a great time to ponder our own inner dragons and to cultivate the courage and strength necessary for self development. More ...
