Early one morning
Before the sun had risen,
I heard a bluebird
In the fields gaily sing.
I heard a bluebird
In the fields gaily sing.
South winds are blowing,
Green grass is growing,
We have come to herald
the merry, merry Spring.
Green grass is growing,
We have come to herald
the merry, merry Spring.
English Folk Song
We will be holding our annual May Faire celebration soon. The first day of spring occurs in March, but our calendar is often at odds with what we see out of our New England windows. May Faire, arriving midway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, comes at a time when we are firmly rooted in the season of spring.
Traditionally, May Faire heralds lengthening days, fertile soil, and the promise of abundance. It also reminds us that we have persevered through the challenging, contemplative season of winter and moved into the exuberant spring. This exuberance is reflected at the Faire with joyous and colorful May pole dancing, flower garlands, music, games, and food.
Why do Waldorf schools continue to celebrate these ancient festivals? Many foundational principles of the Waldorf philosophy can be found in these celebrations.
Often, these festivals have an aspect of story, song, (and snack!) and in this way mimic the Waldorf classroom rhythm. It is an opportunity to surround the children, and ourselves, with beauty, truth and goodness. These festivals foster in all of us the qualities of wonder, reverence and gratitude.
Everyone in our community works together to make these celebrations happen: children, faculty, parents and friends. We hope that the children learn through our example how to work together to make something beautiful and meaningful. By marking the rhythm of the seasons and celebrating the natural world, it reminds us of our connection with the earth and each other, and places us in the history of humankind.
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