Crossing The Bridge

IN the same week that Emma began pre-school, we were priviliged to witness a rite of passage for two friends. Our Waldorf group held a Rose Ceremony, in which children passing from early to middle childhood receive a flower from another child to welcome them to the world of academic learning. The ceremony began with an opening song, then all the children were invited to take a seat on a mat in front of the bridge, beautifully decorated with hand-dyed fabric. After a lovely story about children coming down to the earth and growing in love and learning, the two rising first graders were invited to the bridge to receive their posies. We then all followed the honourees across the bridge to the playground, where a special feast was waiting.