Throughout history the world's civilizations have celebrated nature's rhythms in a way that sustains and renews the culture. These traditional celebrations have helped to reaffirm humanity's connections to nature and to God, and they can be especially healing in our time. A Waldorf family life is filled with the light, food, story and songs of the annual festivals, which supports the families reverence and appreciation. 

SPRING FESTIVALS
Michaelmas
This is a traditional Christian festival of Michaelmas (pronounced Mik'-el-mas) at the end of September. This festival honors Saint Michael (Myk-i-el), an archangel mentioned in the Bible, Apocrypha and Koran. He appears as a protector of mankind, inspiring courage and strength. In traditional icons he is pictured in the act of subduing a dragon, which represents the dark side of human nature: greed, selfishness, and apathy.
This festival is celebrated in the kindergarten and the lower grades. For children, this image of good overcoming evil is very important. As Michaelmas approaches, tell your child stories about the brave hero who subdues the dragon with his sword of light. On the day walk outside with your 6yr old dressed in yellow cloaks and plant seeds or bulbs in the garden. With older childern [7-12] enact a play of the story. Have a family picnic and play games that test your  child's strength and skill.
Halloween
Haloween has its origin in the Celtic festival of Hallowmas, which celebrated the beginning of a new cycle of the Wheel of the Year. Lore has it that the veil between the world of the living and the dead is most transparent during that eve and therefore the spirits of the dead, fairies, witches and goblins spirit about in the night. Make treats and costumes,but do not create an evil theme.  Halloween can be celebrated with a gentle reverance.

Martinmas
In early November, a Lantern Walk, commemorating St. Martin's Day (or Martinmas) can be held for your younger children. Prepare for the day buy making and decorating  lanterns  with stars moons and suns. Walk in the garden while singing  and holding your lit [in the Northern Hemisphere the symbolism is - the lanterns carry light into the approaching darkness of winter.] . Tell a story about "the light" that exists in each of us, and how we shall respect and nurture each other.

SUMMER FESTIVALS
Advent and Christmas Season
Advent is the period including the four Sundays preceding Christmas. On a Sunday in early December, the younger children begin the advent season with a quiet candlelit journey into the spiral of the Advent Garden. The classroom seasonal tables and the stories over the four weeks proceed through a Christmas theme from the animal, plant and mineral kingdoms. On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, leave your childern treats, an encouraging  note,  and homemade trinkets next to thier bed, so that they wake up to the excitement.  Take reverance of the note and read it to them with a great respect.

Make dipped candles and rolled candles for gifts for the christmas table.

AUTUMN FESTIVALS
CANDLEMAS/ST BRIGID/IMBOLC 

Celebrated on the 2nd of Feburary.   

ST VALENTINES DAY
February brings the beginning of the turn of summer and the celebration of the heart-Valentine's day. 
Easter
Easter is the festival of death, rebirth and in the Southern Hemisphere is marks the return of Autumn. Colored eggs with Onion skins.
May Day
May Day is an ancient Festival welcoming the Autumn. Decorate your home  with fresh flowers and the day is celebrated with food, music, games, and crafts.
WINTER FESTIVALS