At Bright Water Waldorf School and many other Waldorf schools, there is a tradition on or around December 21 of the Winter Solstice (or Advent) Spiral. The Winter Spiral is a celebration of quiet confidence, carrying light in darkness, and sharing that light with others. This special festival and traditionhonors the seasonal cycle of light and darkness with a simple spiral labyrinth walk.
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 spiral is often associated with the cycle of rebirth, time and seasons, and sometimes a deep spiritual journey. The spiral is one of nature’s many patterns and can be found in shells, flowers, pinecones, fingertips, and galaxies.
While Bright Water Waldorf holds this beautiful tradition for our students and community, it’s a wonderful and connected experience to create one in your home, yard, or local park with family and friends. Here is a wonderful article on how to host your own Winter Solstice Spiral.