What is Michaelmas at Waldorf School of Pittsburgh?

A New Approach for the 2020–21 Celebration

Michaelmas is a fall festival typically celebrated by Waldorf schools at the end of September. There are two pictures that are offered to students during this time. The first is the image of sharing in the harvest of fruits and vegetables at the end of the growing season. In past years, our WSP community has gathered on campus on the last Friday of September to enjoy freshly popped kettle corn, pressed apples for cider, and churned butter. We have even had a blacksmith on site for the children to experience!

The second image is the story of St. George taming the dragon with his sword of justice and courage. This story represents our inner courage to face our known and unknown fears. Together we summon the strength and determination to champion the good and true and nourish our inner light which will help us face what lies ahead. Children have embraced this story by performing an all school St. George play.

This year, we will not be able to gather for our annual community-wide harvest celebration. Instead, each class will recognize Michaelmas in a way that best meets the developmental needs of their students through stories, songs, and activities. We will share more photos of activities happening throughout the school in the coming weeks.