Michaelmas is a little-known festival in North America but it is a major celebration in schools world-wide inspired by Waldorf education. It takes place near the autumnal equinox when daylight grows shorter. The festival is named for the archangel Michael, known as a protector of humanity, who inspires qualities of courage, initiative and steadfastness. As the seasons transition from the outer warmth of summer to the coolness of fall, we turn inwards, towards ourselves and towards our community for inner warmth. We celebrate with a play about St. George, the human counterpart of Michael, taming the dragon.