Monday, September 30, 2013

Celebrating Michaelmas

"As the dark of winter gathers, and as affairs of the world seem grave, 
we are reminded of the power of courage, of hope, and of gratitude for the gift of life."




Over the last few years we have slowly been adding some festivals to our year; this year we decided to add Michaelmas. We invited another family over to celebrate with us and had the most wonderful afternoon. We decided to keep the festival on the light side with more of a harvest celebration and some outdoor fun.

Sitting around the fire roasting apples, eating popcorn, making corn husks dolls and playing find the hidden corn on the cobs around the yard was how we began the afternoon. I then shared a little story about a dragon who had been setting fires in the forest and how he was convinced to stop and instead use his fire to help the forest gnomes make bread for Michaelmas and then we all shared a little gratitude before enjoying a meal of homemade soup and bread.

It was a simple celebration, one that will grow and deepen in meaning as the years go by.

15 comments:

  1. You must have had fun sharing a celebration with another family. Traditions built make such nice memories. The corn husk dolls are beautiful!

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    1. We did, it was really lovely to share the celebration and some time together. Thank you!

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  2. what a good idea, made with simple and true elements, ingredients and beautiful people!

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  3. Happy Michaelmas :)

    I like your dragon story :)

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  4. How fun! I considered celebrating Michaelmas this year but I'm not really comfortable with the religious part of it. I like the dark versus light part and making dragon bread. I like how you simplified it too.

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    1. It was a lot of fun. I think that is what I like so much about these festivals is that you don't need to celebrate the religious part in order to get the full meaning from them. It was a special day and the kiddos took some good things away from it.

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  5. Such a wonderful way to celebrate Kim and I know as the years unfold you will be making such meaningful memories.

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  6. my little bird has his first festival day at school Friday - Michaelmas. It was bittersweet to 'hear' about how brave Avi was as he carried his sword above his head, all by himself, and put the dragon's eye he retrieved into the yellow pouch around his neck which he sewed at school that week. I was in Salt Lake City for a symposium and was only there in spirit. I was so proud of my little bird, and so sad to have missed this. Thank goodness, there is next year!

    Sounds like your celebration was just as beautiful! campfires and popcorn... my favorites!
    hugs

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    1. Is your little bird in a Waldorf school? How wonderful! It sounds like a lovely celebration.

      Nice to hear from you...miss you.

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