This time of year, the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Nature all around us is settling down to a season of deep quiet. The Winter Spiral represents winding our way from longer days full of light to shorter days full of darkness; going from summer to autumn to winter.
Inside the warm sanctuary, accompanied by quiet music, our Winter Spiral will glow with warm light from our candles. The spiral path is lined with evergreen boughs that withstand the harsh winter months; we look to the evergreen and remember the abundance of life around us. Walking the spiral inward represents not only moving through autumn and into colder and shorter days of winter but also reflects our turn inward as we look to our own inner light to hold us until warmer days unfold. The children start outside the spiral and, walking with an unlit candle, they will weave their way through the labyrinth, ending at the very center, which represents the darkest time of year in our calendar. It is delightful to witness how each child makes this journey in their own unique way. Here, a single, bright candle will be lit. After their candle is aglow, they will make their way through the spiral, finding the perfect spot to place their flame. The children will be lighting the path toward warmer days by marking the spiral with their own flames.
As with many festivals in Waldorf tradition, the Winter Spiral is focused on the children and helping them to find and embrace their inner warmth and light. This time of year, among people worldwide, there are celebrations of light, community, and sharing, such as Hanukkah, Diwali, Winter Solstice, and Advent. In Waldorf schools throughout the world, children of all backgrounds have observed these traditions with stories, songs, and crafts from various cultures, along with the Winter Spiral, providing a sense of calm in a season of busyness. We welcome our families to watch their child(ren) walk the spiral with their class.
Nature speaks to us in many ways; if only we will slow down, quiet our hearts and minds, and listen. It is our hope that these festivals and events will resonate with the children for many years to come.
