What is the Advent Spiral?
During the Spiral Walk, we celebrate the turning point in the year when the days become their shortest and the night its longest and we look for the light which comes from within. In the center of the spiral, a single candle is lit. Each child walks the spiral alone to the center of the spiral, where they light their own candle to place along the spiral. When all the children have walked the path, the whole spiral is aglow with lights.
The Advent Spiral is an important part of the Waldorf calendar. It symbolizes finding light in the darkness. Advent is not just one moment, it is a period of time. It is the few weeks before our Winter Break, advent is a time of quiet preparation as we go into the darkest days of the year. The shortest day (in the northern hemisphere) is close to the end of December, so by the time we celebrate our holiday traditions, we have reached a turning point and the days begin to lengthen again, the daylight increasing. Nature will begin very slowly to reawaken.
The spiral image can be found in all cultures, ranging from primitive art to 21st century advertising. The spiral is often associated with the cycle of rebirth, time and seasons and sometimes a spiritual journey.
The Spiral Walk
History
The spiral walk is a festival that is practiced in most Waldorf schools on or near the winter solstice. The tradition honors the seasonal cycle of light and darkness by arranging a simple spiral labyrinth walk. Everything about the spiral walk is rooted in symbolic meaning: from the form of the spiral to the red apples, evergreen boughs, beeswax candles and the objects placed in the spiral.
Symbolism
THE SPIRAL is one of nature’s many patterns and can be found in shells, flowers, pinecones, fingertips, and galaxies. In this festival honoring the return of light into the world, we use the spiral to represent the seasonal rhythms as well as representing the contemplative journey we take to find our own inner “light.”
The physical form of the spiral represents the celestial marking of the seasons. The beginning of the path marks the summer solstice. As we spiral inward through the labyrinth, it represents moving towards and through autumn, where the days grow shorter. The very center of the spiral symbolizes winter solstice: the darkest time of the year. Here we pause at the center before we spiral back outward through spring toward the summer solstice.
The journey each child takes through the spiral also represents an inner journey to find his or her own “light” within. In the very center of ourselves, we discover our own beauty, strength, insight, and gifts that we offer the world. We then turn from this discovery within and carry our gifts of radiance back out into the world.
RED APPLES are often used as candleholders during spiral walks and celebrations. Inside the fruit lies the seed, waiting patiently in darkness until the time comes to sprout. The apples represent the seeds of our hidden potential. We don’t yet see the fruit of our labors with the students… but within each is the seed of the adults they will become.
EVERGREEN TREES are found in many myths, often representing the tree of life. These are the trees that weather the winter without going dormant. They represent the regenerative power of life, nature and the seasons. We use evergreen boughs to represent the sustaining abundance of life on our planet.
BEESWAX CANDLES in Chinese culture are considered a symbol of eternal love and warmth. We use them as our light source in the darkness to symbolize that love is eternally present.
KINGDOMS OF NATURE. We celebrate the diversity of life on our planet by placing among the evergreen boughs objects that represent the kingdoms of nature: mineral, plant and animal. Crystals, seashells, feathers, pinecones, berries, oranges, and apples will be resting along the path.
What to Expect
Arrival and Seating: Please arrive just before the scheduled start time for your child’s grade. There will be a helper at the front door making sure the previous group is finished before your group enters the Heart Space. Spiral Walk is an inward festival, so entering the building in a calm and quiet manner will help the children find the right mood. Children will find seats along the west wall of the Heart Space (by the 3rd Grade classroom). Your child’s teacher will be there to greet them and help them find their assigned seat. They are to bring their coats and hats to their seats.
Friends and family can find seats along the east side of the Heart Space (near the Kindergarten and 4th grade).
Photography: No photographs or video during the Spiral Walk. We will have photographers taking photos of all children during the event, so please keep all phones, cameras, and video equipment put away.
Dress: There will be multiple candles in and around the spiral, so for safety purposes no long or overly loose dresses. If your child is wearing a tie, be sure it is tucked into a vest or held tight to the shirt in some manner. Hair is best pulled back.
Leaving: We will be doing our best to facilitate a smooth completion to each session, so that the next walk may begin on time. When the walk is over you can exit the building through the western door (red staircase next to the Garden Room). Your child will receive his/her candle, put on their coat, and meet you on the pavement section of the play area.
General Expectations: Please remind your child that this is a contemplative evening. Quite voices and respectful behavior are the expectation. During the walk there will be instrumental music and choral music. Please add your voice to the song!
Our Winter Spiral Walk is scheduled for 5:30 PM, December 16th, 2022 for Kindergarten – 3rd graders.
Schedule:
Kindergarten 5:30 PM
First Grade 5:50 PM
Second Grade 6:10 PM
Third Grade 6:30 PM