Monday, October 3, 2011

Taming Those Dragons

The legend of St. George and the Dragon is one of my favorites.  Every fall children attending Waldorf schools perform this tale as part of a Michaelmas pageant.  This year we returned to Shepherd Valley Waldorf school where both our children spent their childhood.  I felt very lucky that Max suggested we go and "visit with the folks."


That day was a journey in itself.  It's no small thing to revisit one's childhood, and I'm glad I got to share it with Max.  He has moved onto public Middle School and is handling all the challenges that entails beautifully, but we were grateful to be a part of this Harvest tradition.

The story is one of overcoming one's dragons: fears, anxiety, loneliness, etc. . . you get to name it for yourself.  But it is told in terms of a dragon terrorizing a village.  The villagers are "so weak, and so are you. What shall we do? What shall we do?"


It is with the help of St. Michael's light that swords are forged and the dragon is subdued.  "We will teach him to bake, to reap, and to sew." 


The festival culminates with the eating of the dragon bread.  A nice transformation wouldn't you say?


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.

-Anonymous

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa! It was wonderful to see these pictures and read your story and remember some of the verses of Michaelmas. I really miss the pageant and Harvest Fair this year. We will have a fall festival this coming Saturday - I'll let you know how it goes. Miss you!
Martina

Melissa said...

I miss you too Martina, as does Max. I'm so glad you popped by and were able to share in Harvest Faire "long distance." I'm looking forward to hearing about your Fall Festival. Blessings dear one, M :)

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