Michaelmas
This date has been known as Saint Michael’s Day since the 9th century. It comes just
after the autumn solstice when the days and nights are of equal length. Waldorf Schools
around the world celebrate Michaelmas and are working to revive this festival. There are
many depictions of the Archangel Michael in art showing him fighting the dragon.
Michael’s knight, St. George, is also portrayed conquering the dragon. According to
legends, Michael sends his meteoric iron by means of shooting stars to the earth. It is
thought that one of Michael’s special tasks is to infuse humanity with the power to
recognize the reality of the spiritual, so that gradually, man will come to experience the
spirit and allow it to become an effective working force in human deeds.