In Celebration of Michaelmas IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING THE SEASON OF COURAGE AT HOME
Dear WHWS Community, As we look forward to the year ahead, we are reminded of the essence of the Michaelmas Festival, which asks us to draw on our inner strength as individuals and as a school.We have been encouraged daily by the many selfless acts of kindness and support that have taken place under very difficult circumstances. The patience and understanding that has been displayed throughout this time is a real testament to the strength of our school community.May we carry this forward to the months ahead!
What is Michaelmas? Michaelmas is a festival that gives us a picture of inner courage and light to carry us into the looming cold and darkness ahead. Since ancient times, all around the world, there have been celebrations at this time of year to honor the harvest and to look toward the darkness of winter ahead. In some places, people have celebrated a story of the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon in heaven. There is also a more earthly story of a Roman soldier, later named St. George, who saves an entire village by slaying a dragon. These important stories form a metaphoric picture of this turning point of the year and help us focus on ideas of love and goodness triumphing over hate, greed and evil. It is an important image for our time. One of the cornerstones of Waldorf Education is the use of images and the imagination to bring across complex ideas to children. Each student, each person, has inner and outer struggles. During the season of Michaelmas this imagery can educate and strengthen us to find the courage to conquer our own personal dragons. As Joseph Campbell, the renown mythologist said: “The ultimate dragon is within you, it is your ego clamping you down.”
Brave and True Brave and true will I be, Each good deed sets me free, Each kind word makes me strong. I will fight for the right! I will conquer the wrong!
Michaelmas Activity Ideas Please enjoy a few suggestions for having fun and finding your inner courage!
Rope Tug
Sack Races
King/Queen of the hill
Apple Bobbing & Stringing Apples
Kid-Made Obstacle Course
Woodworking Projects (with adult supervision)
Do you miss the Michaelmas dragon this year? Make your own at home! You can make a pinata with a very simple design and common craft materials. There are lots of different ways to make your pinata look like a dragon and it’s up to you to determine how simple or elaborate you want to make it. Paper mache is a pretty forgiving medium, you just need to make sure your different body parts get attached securely to each other, and that you leave an opening at one end of your body cavity in order to fill the pinata after popping the balloon and before affixing the final body parts. But the rest is up to you!
Here are some links and photos of possible ways to construct your dragon. Follow this link to Spruce crafts for basic paper mache tips and know how: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-a-paper-mache-pinata-1252617Â
For those who want to do nothing but make the dragon pinata of your dreams this week, here is a very elaborate one to inspire you: http://pinataboy.com/gallery/green-dragon-pinata/#/ And some more detailed instructions for this green dragon are here: http://pinataboy.com/question/step-step-instructions-dragon-pinata/
Heads High, Hearts Open Ahhh the Autumn ~ my favorite time of the year and Michaelmas my favorite festival. The festival that focuses on our human strength and courage. By this time in the year I am usually engaged in lots of preparations leading up to the festival. Teachers, students and families look forward to the games and activities during the school day that concludes with a lovely autumn evening of cider pressing, a pageant, picnics and more. However this year, yet another festival shall come and go without a community in person gathering. We may not witness a smoking, rumbling dragon as it winds its way down the woods at school this Michaelmas. Or make apple cider and have a picnic on the hill. Instead we are being asked to consider how to make the festival meaningful in our homes. I hope this special festival packet with lots of ideas proves helpful to you with crafts, recipes and stories.I would like to offer a story for children grade school age, the story of John Henry.One summer, a long, long time ago, I was at Rudolf Steiner College for a week of summer prep for the grade I would be teaching that fall. One of the teachers was a dynamic black man, Themba Sadeki. He talked about Multiculturalism and how we needed to really examine our approach in our schools. In that conversation he said that he felt the American Michaelmas story was the story of John Henry. When I thought about this more I saw how the archetypes in the story made this a true statement. When an archetype is true, it resonates all the way into our bones. This is such a story. And so, ever since that day while I was a grade school teacher, I told John Henry at Michaelmas. The story held the student's rapt attention as strongly as did stories of St. George and the Dragon. I adapted the story I am reading here from the children's book, John Henry written by Julius Lester and beautifully illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. I really appreciate this telling, because Julius Lester uses language filled with strong and courageous images. Images that inspire. From the book:This tale attempts to be faithful to the indomitable human spirit John Henry embodies. Whether there was ever an actual person named John Henry is not certain. What is certain is that between 1870-1873 the Big Bend Tunnel on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad was built in the Allegheny Mountains in Summer County, West Virginia. This is the site of the Black folk ballad “John Henry” on which this text is based. There was probably an ex-slave named John Henry among those who worked on the tunnel, though there is little evidence of a contest between him and a steam drill.There are countless historical personages who do not engage us. Yet John Henry continues to move us by his affirmation of something triumphant which we hope is in all of us. The connection all of us feel to John Henry - is namely, to have courage to hammer until our hearts break and to leave our mourners smiling in their tears.And so dear WHWS Community, Happy Michaelmas! Stay strong. Continue to be courageous. Heads high - hearts open! Here's to the day when we can enjoy the Michaelmas pageant and break dragon bread together again! Ms. Mary
Come, sit close, and let me tell you a story, so we may fill our minds with wonder and our hearts with courage!
Click to play audio
Dragon Bread Recipes
Gluten Recipes
2 Gluten-Free Recipes Onion Poppy Seed Gluten Free Dragon Bread This recipe is based on Ali Segersten’s Everyday Sandwich Bread with added poppy seeds and onion puree which gives it a wonderful moist and savory boost. It is extra delicious when served still warm or toasted with butter. Wet Ingredients 2 ½ cups warm filtered water (105-110 degrees F) 1 TBLS active dry yeast1 tsp sugar (for activating yeast- may sub 2 tsp honey) 2 TBLS extra virgin olive oil 2 TBLS honey⅓ cup ground chia seeds ⅓ cup whole psyllium husks ⅓ cup pureed raw yellow onion
Dry Ingredients 1 to 1 ½ cups sorghum flour 1 cup brown rice flour 1 cup tapioca flour ¾ cups almond meal/flour (or for a nut free version-just add ¾ cup of sorghum or brown rice or a mix of both) ½ cup millet flour 1 ½ tsp salt, plus a pinch for sprinkling on top of loaf (I like to use medium grain sea salt on top of loaf, but you can also use regular fine grain). 2 TBLS poppy seeds
Onion Poppy Seed Gluten Free Dragon Bread, continued Directions: Place the warm water in a bowl or a 4 cup liquid glass measure. Add the yeast and tsp of sugar. Whisk together. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast. The mixture should get foamy or bubbly. If not, dump it out and start over (if the yeast doesn’t get activated, the bread will not rise properly. If it sits for too long, it may go past the point of activation and the bread will not rise properly). While the yeast is activating (or, before you start the yeast mixture so you don’t feel so rushed), combine and mix 1 cup of the sorghum flour with the remaining dry ingredients (including poppy seeds) in a large bowl. After the yeast is activated, whisk the olive oil, additional honey, ground chia seeds, psyllium husks, into the yeast-water mixture. Let stand for no more than 2 minutes to let the chia and psyllium release their gelatinous substances. Whisk in the pureed onion. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together with a large wooden spoon until thick and combined. Turn dough out onto a floured board or counter top. Add more sorghum flour (¼- ½ cup) until the dough is sticky, but holds together. You can oil your hands to prevent dough from sticking to your hands too much, but it’s a messy business and will inevitably stick to your hands some. That’s ok. In order to create a delicious moist loaf, the dough should be as sticky as possible while still being formable. There is no need to knead. Form dough into an oblong ball, and place it into an oiled 9x5 inch bread pan with the folded part on the bottom. Cover with a damp paper towel or waxed paper and place in a warm spot to rise (atop the refrigerator is usually a good spot). Let dough rise for one hour or until nearly doubled in size. Rising time will depend on the room temperature. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush some olive oil on top of loaf and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Bake bread for 55-65 minutes or until top is lightly golden and a nice crust has formed. Let pan cool for about 10-20 minutes before removing bread from pan. Release it with a knife and turn it over. Allow it to cool on a wire rack until barely warm (about another 30 minutes) before cutting it to complete cooking.
Chocolate Gluten Free Yeast Bread Variation This is essentially the same recipe as above, but with cocoa powder and chocolate chips instead of the savory bits. Wet Ingredients 2 ½ cups warm filtered water (105-110 degrees F) 1 TBLS active dry yeast 1 tsp sugar 2 TBLS + 2 tsp canola or avocado oil 3 TBLS honey ⅓ cup ground chia seeds ⅓ cup whole psyllium husks
Dry Ingredients 1 to 1 ½ cups sorghum flour 1 cup brown rice flour 1 cup tapioca flour ¾ cups almond meal/flour (or for a nut free version-just add ¾ cup of sorghum or brown rice or a mix of both) ½ cup millet flour 1 ½ tsp salt, ⅔ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup chocolate chips
Chocolate Gluten Free Yeast Bread Variation, continued Directions Add a Place the warm water in a bowl or a 4 cup liquid glass measure. Add the yeast and tsp of sugar. Whisk together. Let rest for 510 minutes to activate the yeast. The mixture should get foamy or bubbly. If not, dump it out and start over (if the yeast doesn’t get activated, the bread will not rise properly. If it sits for too long, it may go past the point of activation and the bread will not rise properly). While the yeast is activating (or, before you start the yeast mixture so you don’t feel so rushed), combine and mix 1 cup of the sorghum flour with the remaining dry ingredients,except chocolate chips, in a large bowl. Add chocolate chips after other dry ingredients are well incorporated.After the yeast is activated, wisk the oil, honey, ground chia seeds, and psyllium husks, into the yeast-water mixture. Let stand for no more than 2 minutes to let the chia and psyllium release their gelatinous substances. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together with a large wooden spoon until thick and combined. Turn dough out onto a floured board or counter top. Add more sorghum flour (¼- ½ cup) until the dough is sticky, but holds together. You can oil your hands to prevent dough from sticking to your hands too much, but it’s a messy business and will stick to your hands some. That’s ok. In order to create a delicious moist loaf, the dough should be as sticky as possible while still being formable. There is no need to knead.Form dough into an oblong ball, and place it into an oiled 9x5 inch bread pan with the folded part on the bottom. Cover with a damp paper towel or waxed paper and place in a warm spot to rise (atop the refrigerator is usually a good spot). Let dough rise for about one hour or until nearly doubled in size. Rising time will depend on the room temperature and may be a bit slower due to the addition of cocoa. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush some oil on top of loaf. Bake bread for 55-65 minutes or until top is lightly golden and a nice crust has formed. Let pan cool for about 10-20 minutes before removing bread from pan. Release it with a knife and turn it over. Allow to cool on a wire rack until barely warm (about another 30 minutes) before slicing to complete cooking.
Sword of Michael Sword of Michael brightly gleaming, Down to earth its light is streaming, May we see its shining rays In the Winter’s darkest days. Blessings and Light to you and yours this Michaelmas.
Apple Recipes
Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients 10 large apples, quartered 1/2 orange, halved 4 cinnamon sticks 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon whole allspice 1 whole nutmeg 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions 1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, add apples, oranges, spices, and brown sugar. Cover with water by at least 2”. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours. 2. Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for 1 hour more. 3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids. 4. Serve apple cider warm.
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a28224491/homemade-apple-cider-drink-recipe
Apple Chips Ingredients 2 Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 225F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Core apple and slice as thinly as possible into rings. 3. Arrange the apple slices on the baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle cinnamon over the apple slices. 4. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the apple slices are crisp and golden brown. 5. Remove from oven and allow to cool down to room temperature and enjoy. https://www.momables.com/easy-baked-apple-chips/
Baked Apples Ingredients 1/4 cup dry oats 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 2 tablespoons butter 4 medium apples 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Add first 7 ingredients to a bowl and use hands to mix well 3. Core the apples and cut each apple in half. Place them in a baking dish, face up and fill each apple with an even amount of oat mixture. Pack lightly until heaped over the top. 4. Drizzle with cream then baked for 40 minutes or until filling is golden and the apple is soft. 5. Cool for 10 minutes then serve. Add more cream if desired. www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/kid-friendly-baked-apple-dessert/
Here are a few additional recipe ideas to celebrate the harvest season! Sugar free pumpkin-quinoa-cornbread: www.nourishingmeals.com/2010/11/pumpkin-quinoa-cornbread-recipe.html
Sun dried tomato cheddar chive biscuits: www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/gluten-free-sun-dried-tomato-cheddar-chive-biscuits-recipe
Zucchini almond bread: www.nourishingmeals.com/2010/08/zucchini-almond-bread-gluten-free-dairy.html
Sugar full chocolate chip pumpkin loaf: sweetphi.com/the-best-pumpkin-loaf-ever-gluten-free-and-better-than-starbucks/
"Come said the wind to the leaves one day, Come o'er the meadow and we will play. Put on your dresses of scarlet and gold, for summer is gone and the days grow cold." -George Eliot
Golden light is turning grey, Mists begin to rule the day. Bare the trees, their branches lift; Clouds of dead leaves earthward drift. Through the field the farmer goes, Seeds of ripened corn he sows; Trusts the earth will hold it warm, Shelter it from cold and harm. For he knows, that warmth and light Live there, hidden from our sight; And beneath a sheltering wing, Deep below, new life will spring! Deep below, deep below, new life will spring!
More Resources To Explore http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/michaelmas-circle-story-resources Want to learn more about what Steiner said about Michaelmas? Here is a link to a free ebook: https://books.google.com/books? id=Sp3DSAsd60gC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&hl=en#v=onepage &q&f=true Michaelmas Time song by Cincinnati Waldorf Songbook: https://cincinnatiwaldorfsongbook.bandcamp.com/track/michaelmas-time
Are you or someone you love having a hard time finding or maintaining your bravery amid COVID? Find help here: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Libraries/covid19/resources_helping_kids_parents_cope.aspx
Looking for more stories of Courage? Try: 1. https://blog.compassion.com/inspiring-stories-of-courage-and-bravery/ 2. https://www.storyberries.com/fairy-tales-why-the-autumn-leaves-are-red-indianlegends/ 3. https://docs.google.com/viewer? a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGNzZGsxMi5vcmd8bXJzLXBhdWxzb258Z3g6Nzg5Y2VhZGE3NzhkM 2ExNQ&urp=gmail_link  (the story of jumping mouse)