Johanni: Welcoming Summer

The Steiner School celebrates the start of summer each year with the Johanni fest. The 3rd class students dance around the "maypole" until the ribbons are woven together. Then each class performs traditional dances separately and together while the teachers play lovely music with their string instruments.

About 9pm, students and parents walk for about 45 minutes to reach the top of a small, forested mountain nearby where a bonfire is lit by the 6th class. Songs are sung, and tea and snacks are consumed. As the fire burns down, approaching midnight, the children who like can leap across the fire to welcome summer.

I was at home baking a cake for Isabella's birthday the next day, but Todd and the children wandered in around 12:45 very sleepy and smelling strongly of fire.

Maypole after the dancing


Xavier's class preparing to dance


Xavier in front of the bonfire after it has been lit