Candlemas: Celebrating the Return of Light

Our traditional Candlemas festival at the Minnesota Waldorf School has its roots in the many cultural/religious traditions that mark the time of year falling about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In Celtic traditions, this time is known as Imbolc. Jewish custom prescribed a purification ritual after the birth of a child.

Candlemas is also celebrated in the Christian faith as the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Candlemas is a celebration day of renewal and hope. It takes its name from the traditional making and blessing of new candles at home and in churches at this time of year. Candlemas marks the time of year when we can now experience and appreciate the gradual return of the light and lengthening of the day.

In olden times and depending on where one made their home, by early February people could now rise without candlelight, and there was a belief that hibernating animals (e.g., the groundhog) would wake up on Candlemas Day to see if it was still winter. In the spirit of community, we pause at this time of year to notice how the sun’s light is changing, and to make new candles for next year’s Advent Garden together. The smell of melted beeswax fills the air and tells us all that spring will come again soon.

On Monday, February 3rd, the grades will have their annual beeswax candle dipping day, with outdoor dipping and hot cider by a fire! We would love to have several parent and alumni volunteers - 4 or 5 would be super - to help. The beeswax candles are made now for the winter spiral next year. 
Set-up and wax melting in the kitchen start around 8:30. Dipping with the students will go from mid-morning until after lunch around 2 (schedule tba) followed by cleanup. The dipping takes place outside in the courtyard at 3 stations that each need tending. 
Please contact Ms. Kane  handwork@mnwaldorf.org if you can help. We welcome helpers for the whole time, for a shift. Warm thanks!