Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29, is a traditional Christian festival honoring the Archangel Michael. It is a significant day in many parts of Europe, particularly in schools that follow the Waldorf or Steiner education system. One of the most cherished aspects of this festival is the tradition of singing Michaelmas songs and reciting verses that reflect courage, light, and the triumph of good over evil. These songs and poems are often performed by children and communities as part of seasonal pageants or celebrations. They are not just artistic expressions but also carry deep symbolic meanings tied to the themes of inner strength and transformation.
The Spirit of Michaelmas in Song
Celebrating Courage and Light
Michaelmas songs typically focus on themes of bravery, harvest, and the changing of the seasons. The festival marks the turning point from summer’s warmth into the darker, colder months. In this time of transition, the songs serve as a way to inspire courage in the face of growing darkness. They help children and adults alike to internalize the message that inner light and strength are crucial when the days become shorter.
Symbolism in the Lyrics
Many Michaelmas songs contain imagery of dragons, knights, stars, and swords of light. These symbols are not random they echo the legend of St. Michael defeating the dragon, which is a metaphor for overcoming fear, laziness, or negativity. In this sense, singing becomes a spiritual act. The music helps to embed these values within the consciousness of those who participate.
Examples of Michaelmas Songs
Michaelmas Song (Traditional)
This song is one of the most commonly sung during the festival:
- 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.
The simplicity of the lyrics makes it accessible for children, yet the message is profound. Each verse is a declaration of inner purpose and intention to act with integrity and kindness.
Michaelmas Daisies
Another beloved song is often sung in early autumn:
- Michaelmas daisies, purple and gold,
- Autumn’s fair flowers, brave and bold,
- Greeting the darkness with courage and cheer,
- Standing so tall as winter draws near.
This verse helps children connect the natural world with the themes of the festival. The flowers that bloom during this season serve as symbols of beauty and resilience.
Verses for Recitation
Morning Verses for Michaelmas
Waldorf schools often begin the day with a verse to set a meaningful tone. During Michaelmas, a special verse might be recited:
- Michael stands beside me,
- With strength and courage bright,
- To shield me from the shadows,
- And guide me with his light.
This type of verse instills a quiet confidence in students, reminding them that they carry strength within and are supported by spiritual forces.
Evening Verse for Reflection
Evening verses help close the day with peace and gratitude:
- Now the sun has gone to rest,
- Michael watches from the west,
- Holding in his flaming sword,
- All the deeds we’ve done and stored.
Such verses not only reflect on actions taken during the day but also reinforce the connection between personal effort and spiritual awareness.
How These Songs Are Used
Festivals and School Assemblies
Michaelmas songs are typically performed during school festivals, often accompanied by dramatic presentations, storytelling, and symbolic plays. Children may reenact the story of St. Michael slaying the dragon. The songs and verses act as transitions between scenes or are sung in unison to build community spirit. This use of collective singing is a vital part of the celebration’s emotional resonance.
Classroom Integration
In Waldorf education, seasonal songs are integrated into the daily rhythm of the classroom. Teachers select Michaelmas songs not only for the festival but also for regular morning circles throughout the autumn season. This continuity helps to reinforce the values of bravery, perseverance, and the natural cycles of the year.
Why Michaelmas Songs Matter
Building Inner Strength in Children
Michaelmas songs and verses are more than artistic expressions; they serve a developmental purpose. The themes of the festival aim to help children face challenges, build inner discipline, and develop moral character. The repetition of songs with uplifting and courageous themes fosters resilience in a subtle but lasting way.
Connecting to Nature and the Seasons
These songs also foster an appreciation for the natural world. Autumn is a time of visible change in nature falling leaves, ripening fruits, and cooler winds. Singing about these changes helps children feel more in tune with their environment and understand their place within the seasonal rhythm.
Creating a Sense of Community
Participating in seasonal songs and celebrations builds a strong sense of community among students, teachers, and parents. Everyone joins in, regardless of age or background. This inclusivity and shared purpose help strengthen school and family bonds, particularly during the transition into a more introspective time of year.
Modern Interpretations and Adaptations
New Compositions for Contemporary Settings
While traditional songs remain popular, some teachers and musicians create new Michaelmas songs that reflect modern language and current issues. These newer versions still carry the core message standing for what is right, facing fear with courage, and finding strength in one’s heart but are written with melodies and words that resonate with today’s students.
Inclusive Themes for Diverse Communities
In multicultural educational settings, teachers may adapt the Michaelmas story to reflect broader themes of justice and empowerment, rather than religious dogma. Songs might focus on general virtues such as courage, kindness, and truth, making them accessible to children of all backgrounds.
Michaelmas songs and verses hold a unique and enduring place in seasonal celebrations. They offer a way to honor the changing of the seasons, instill core human values, and bring communities together in harmony. Through simple but powerful lyrics, they inspire strength, resilience, and inner clarity qualities essential not just during autumn, but throughout the year. As these songs are sung each year, they continue to nurture generations of children with messages that are as relevant now as they were centuries ago.