Michaelmas

As the season transitions from the outer warmth of summer to the coolness of fall, we look inwards towards ourselves and outwards to our community for inner warmth. Michaelmas reminds us of the confidence and courage that exists in all of us, allowing us to find renewed desire and strength to live our best lives and become a true community of human beings. In the Celtic tradition, Michael represents the unconquered hero and is a model for valor and courage. We celebrate Michaelmas, around the time of the fall equinox, by enacting a play about Hero George taming the dragon, baking dragon bread, eating harvest foods, and having the children sing songs.

Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos, the "Day of the Dead", is a holiday that is now celebrated throughout Latin America, though its origins began in Mexico. Individuals and families create home altars (ofrenda) and food that will welcome the souls of the dead back to earth to reunite with them for a few brief days. Spanish classes for 1st - 8th grade create their unique ofrenda with their Spanish teacher and it is displayed during this reverent celebration. The ofrenda includes photos, drawings, mementos, marigolds, and anything that will be inviting and welcoming to the deceased. Paper Picado, which are decorative paper cut-outs, are created and hung throughout the hallways to invite a feeling of celebration. Sugar skulls are decorated and placed on the ofrenda, as a representation of the loved ones who have passed.

Martinmas

In early November, Eugene Waldorf's younger children celebrate Martinmas by participating in a Lantern Walk. Each child will make a lantern at school and then gather with parents and teachers to take a special walk, singing the songs they have learned. Lanterns are held high, symbolizing for each child their own unique individual light held within. A story is told, before they walk into the cold and dark evening, about recognizing "the light" of others as well as the light within themself. The Lantern Walk gives the children the experience of caring and sharing with others as the darkness of winter approaches. Traditionally this time of year, the students and family members are invited to participate in a coat drive and to extend a gift of warmth.

Spiral of Light

As winter approaches, the children often feel a sense of quiet anticipation about the snowy season to come. They will enter into this season by taking a contemplative candlelit journey through the Spiral of Light. Each early childhood and grades student makes their journey through the spiral of evergreens to the center of the garden. Once there, they light a candle and then place it in the spiral pathway as they slowly make their reflective journey out again. This is a reminder of the light that remains in each of us, as we journey through the cold winter ahead.

Winter Light Celebration

The annual Winter Light celebration is one of the highlights of the year for the school community. The array of music, crafts, and magical scenes make this an extraordinary event for students and their families. Workshops are held to learn Waldorf crafts, such as candle dipping, wreath making, and sometimes a friendly cross-saw competition! Winter Light Fair merchants provide options for gifts, decor, food, and drinks. Musical performances take place throughout the celebration and are enjoyed by all. Friendships are made at this festival, new skills are discovered, and the social life of the school community is fostered.

May Day

During the first weekend in May, families from the Eugene Waldorf School are invited to gather on the school grounds in celebration of May Day, also known as Beltane. During this celebration of springtime, EWS will be decorated with bountiful fresh flowers, and students and their families will come together to create flower crowns, watch Maypole dancing, and enjoy picnicking while listening to music.