
Rooted in an ancient Bavarian tradition where farmers adorned tables with moss, twigs, and candlelit apples to create enchanting illuminated gardens, the Advent spiral emerged in the 1920s as a symbolic celebration. Over the years, this meaningful festival has been embraced by Waldorf schools around the world, offering a deeply reflective and heartwarming experience.
In the stillness of a darkened room, evergreen boughs, symbols of life’s enduring spirit, are carefully arranged into a spiral on the floor, with a single large candle glowing at its heart. One by one, each child enters the spiral, holding an apple with an unlit candle. Guided gently by teachers or parents, depending on their needs, the children journey inward along the spiral’s path, moving toward the radiant center. There, they light their candles from the central flame, a gesture rich with meaning, symbolising the light we carry within ourselves. On their way back, they place their lit lanterns along the spiral, slowly illuminating the room with a growing, gentle light, before quietly returning to their seats.

The Advent spiral reflects the soul’s journey during this season, as we move through the darkness of shorter days and longer nights, carrying the light of hope within us toward the return of the sun’s brilliance after the winter solstice.
For our own Apple Tree celebration, small groups gathered in the serene setting of the hall at All Saints to partake in this beautiful and magical ritual. We were especially fortunate to have talented musicians among our parent community, who filled the evening with a serene and uplifting soundscape, enriching the atmosphere and deepening the shared experience of the spiral’s quiet wonder.