Celebrating Michaelmas

"Brave and true I will be
Each good deed sets me free.
Each kind word makes me strong.
I will fight for the right,
I will conquer the wrong."

Today is Michaelmas. The Michaelmas festival reminds us to both summon and honor the courage displayed each and every day – in noble acts big and strong. It reminds us to be a champion for others, to look for the good in all and to always strive toward our fullest human potential. The festival is named for the archangel Michael, the guardian of humanity, who inspires courage, initiative and steadfastness. The image of St. Michael with his golden sword, gives us the courage to face the growing cold and darkness of the turning of season. As the world around us draws inward, we too begin to draw into ourselves in preparation of the coming season of introspection and contemplation. 

This weekend, for the second year, we gathered with a few other families to celebrate. We keep the celebration on the light side, after all our kiddos are quite young. The idea is not to tell them what the celebration is about, but to bring it to them through song, verse and story, and then let it sit with them. Over the years, as they grow up, we will bring the festival to them in a deeper, more tangible way that will explain the significance of this festival.

For the last few weeks, our morning circle time has included a song about St. Michael, and we have been working to memorize the verse above, which was recited at our celebration on the weekend. On Saturday, as the families arrived, the kids played and the adults chatted. We enjoyed organic apple cider warmed over the open fire, apples were roasted, the kids bobbed for apples, corn husk dolls and star wands were made, and finally, we gathered around the fire where a friend shared the story of The Kite by U. de Haes, from the Wynstones Press Autumn book, and the kids recited their verse. After sharing our gratitude with each other, we said our meal time blessing, and dug into our potluck. 

We gathered on blankets, around the yard, kids and adults, sharing food, conversation, and laughter. I looked around and my heart was filled with joy. A small group of families, coming together to celebrate Michaelmas, the harvest and to welcome autumn, families we spend a lot of time with, families who get us, and the path we walk. I can't tell you how wonderful that feels.

After dinner, apple crisp was enjoyed for dessert, and as the sun began to slowly set the kids played some more, and the adults gathered around the warm fire. It was a simple, but meaningful celebration. Over the years we will bring deeper meaning to this day, and it will grow into something more. But for now, this was perfect.