Michaelmas - Autumn Celebration
Michaelmas september 29
Michaelmas september 29
After the start of the new school year, the first annual celebration quickly approaches. Michaelmas Day is the feast of archangel Saint Michael and an autumn festival which is about thankfulness, strength, courage and balance. Thankfulness for the harvest received and the provisions for the coming winter. Strength, courage and inner balance because we are no longer guided by the full bloom and enthrallment of summer but have to continue on our own as nature withdraws and days darken. The natural light that has carried us effortlessly through summer is waning and now we will have to provide our own light and warmth again. We will no longer be able to let ourselves be swept away by the thriving nature as in summer.
The autumn season is also called Dragon time. A time that calls for courage and willpower to face our inner dragons- insecurities and doubts. Standing tall in a world where nature is dwindling and becomes dormant around you. We let go of the freedom and carefree nature of summer and the dark months lie ahead again. You do not have to be a knight to do heroic deeds, big or small. Being brave and courageous is not an outward appearance, this is something inside you.
Ask for the Michaelmas cards and posters of Kapitein Kalk at your local Mercurius Partner:
www.mercurius-international.com
Michaelmas Blackboard drawings
Using the Feast of Saint Michael as a starting point, I created three blackboard drawings.
Blackboard drawing 'Taming the Dragon'
Originally created in 2019, at a size of about 90 x 70 cm.
‘Taming the Dragon‘ is inspired by St Michael’s Feast as celebrated at many Waldorf Schools in autumn time. This is also called the Dragon Time, a time for courage and willpower to go to war against our inner dragons. The story of St George and the dragon is often told during this time. I chose a combination between Michael and Saint George, a powerful and courageous stance, a dragon tamed and not slain, because inner dragons will always be there.
In Waldorf schools, the Feast of Saint Michael is celebrated differently according to class. In kindergarten Michaelmas is celebrated with an emphasis on thankfulness; on the fruits of the harvest and the fiery splash of colour that autumn brings. Baskets decorated with autumn leaves and self-made fireballs or windmills. Autumn walks and the excitement when finding a basket full of apples. The senior classes are challenged for strength and courage with games and tests.
The image of a dragon being defeated speaks enormously to the imagination, as does a courageous knight. With this drawing, I hope to appeal not so much to the imagination of the young (pre-school) child as to the growing teenager and young adult. And additionally to the child in every adult. An image that on the one hand challenges but also gives courage.
‘Taming the dragon’ is available at Mercurius partners worldwide as postcard and A4 poster.
Blackboard drawing 'Autumn Courage'
Made in 2021, with a size of about 70 x 90 cm.
Autumn Courage, it’s St Michael’s time.
A setting sun creating long shadows. Beautiful autumn colours caused by the gradual withering of life around us. Nature’s approaching dormancy, saying goodbye to the warmth and exuberance of summer in all its splendour. Continuing on our own through the earth’s hibernation. Firmly and courageously with both feet on the ground, trusting in what is to come.
This drawing is all about courage, which may be less visible outwardly but is certainly within you. It touches on emotions like comfort and saying goodbye, longing and acceptance.
‘Autumn Courage’ is worldwide available as a postcard at your local Mercurius partner!
Ask for the Michaelmas cards and posters of Kapitein Kalk at your local Mercurius Partner:
www.mercurius-international.com
Blackboard drawing 'Autumn Wind'
Made in 2021, with a size of about 90 x 70 cm.
I created the blackboard drawing ‘Autumn Wind‘ with the transition of the seasons in mind. Changing fragrances in the air, mushrooms, falling leaves. Gathering autumn treasures and getting lost in the last moments of summer’s game with a dragon as a kite.
As a child, I always longed for the first weeks of October. We would go adventuring in the forest, looking for sweet chestnuts and hazelnuts. A long stretched dirt track before we entered the forest, the air permeated with an incipient autumn smell caused by the first decaying leaves. First to the hill with the big tree of which the roots wriggled over the earth and each other before seeking out the earth. Rushing down from the hill, kicking the red-orange-gold-yellow leaves in front of me.
‘Autumn Wind’ is worldwide available as a postcard at your local Mercurius partner.
Ask for the Autumn cards and posters of Kapitein Kalk at your local Mercurius Partner:
www.mercurius-international.com
Ask for the Autumn cards and posters of Kapitein Kalk at your local Mercurius Partner: www.mercurius-international.com
Schools, Organisations and Retail
As of Spring 2022 the artwork of Kapitein Kalk is worldwide available in about 50 countries via Mercurius, leading provider of supplies to Waldorf schools, kindergartens, and other Waldorf-inspired initiatives. Ask for the Michaelmas inspired blackboard drawings on postcard an poster at your local Mercurius Partner: www.mercurius-international.com
Ask for the Autumn cards and posters of Kapitein Kalk at your local Mercurius Partner:
www.mercurius-international.com