Michaelmas Explained: The Call to Inner Courage
Michaelmas is a time to honour courage, strength, and the quiet triumph over darkness. The story of Saint Michael, celebrated each year on 29th September, invites us to reflect on our own inner dragons and the bravery we carry within.
Though Michaelmas has its origins in the religious feast of St. Michael, it is now celebrated as a secular festival of courage, especially within the Waldorf community. At its heart, the story is not about religion or ceremony, but about marking the shift into the shorter, darker days. It gently teaches children the importance of facing their fears, discovering their inner strength, and finding light even in shadowed times.
There are many version of the story of Michaelmas, but my favourite (by Beatry Lockie) goes like this
Long ago, a small town lived peacefully behind its walls, until one morning a great dragon appeared outside the gates. He was huge and scaly, breathing fire and smoke. The frightened people shut their gates as he ate the grass, flowers, and trees, and even drank the river dry. When he grew hungry again, he crept toward the town, roaring and stamping.
That night, the people asked their bravest man, St Michael, to help them. He went out with his shining sword but, instead of fighting, he spoke kindly to the dragon and learned that he wasn’t wicked, only lonely and longing to play with the children.
A brave little girl came forward, climbed on the dragon’s back, and soon all the children joined her. They played and shared food until the dragon was happy at last. From then on, he became the town’s friend and loved St Michael most of all.
On Michaelmas children often make dragon bread -The dragon quietly carries the weight of winter’s shadows, gentle yet formidable, reminding us of life’s challenges. The bread, and the tender act of “slaying” it, becomes a symbol of the courage and inner light that help us rise above those trials. As we knead, bake, and share this bread, we weave threads of connection, nurturing both our own hearts and the hearts of those around us, celebrating transformation, resilience, and the quiet strength found in community.
The Ostheimer dragon figure becomes a magical companion for sharing this story with children, inviting them to see and feel its lessons. The tale of taming the dragon softly unfolds the idea that true courage lives within us, helping us meet life’s challenges with a brave and gentle heart.
Though often celebrated in Waldorf communities, Michaelmas carries a message for everyone. It is a gentle story of courage, a reminder that we all have dragons to meet in the darkening days.
This festival invites us to pause and notice the quiet beauty in our lives, to share moments of giving and togetherness, and to honour the bravery within us. It welcomes every family, especially little ones, into a circle of warmth and wonder, where we can hold one another in the knowing that, no matter the shadows, our hearts are strong enough to face the dragons we meet.
with warmth
Mama Oak
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