While in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, people rejoice that summer has begun, barbecues and bonfires are being lit and many go to Stonehenge to watch the sun rise on June 21, the longest day of the year, India thanks the rain god for the onset of the monsoon.
Here’s a little puppet story poem we came up with today to celebrate the Indian style summer solstice on June 21.
The Fairy Sisters (Summer and Rain)
Once upon a time when the heavens were made, and the sky was blue and filled with clouds and the sun shone bright and the clouds got grey… two little fairies had their birth day. One was dressed in a bright yellow hue, She flitted up high, to the Father Sun she knew. The other was dressed in a blue that was deep, with secrets like the ocean, that only she could keep. And every year on this solstice, together they dance, all over the sky, to welcome this monsoon and bid summer goodbye. To bid adieu to the warm summer rays, The colourful flowers and the longer days, To welcome the showers the rain clouds bring, And watch the peacock dance and sing.
Puppet shows and story telling around festivals and seasonal changes form and important element of life in a Waldorf kindergarten. Children at this age have a deep connect with the Earth and its cycle of seasons through the year, hence celebrating these wonderful changes with the children, enlivens their souls with rich images of the world, that will carry them through life for years to come. Make simple props and use this poem or make up something on your own to celebrate the festivals and seasons in your part of the country/world. How do you celebrate festivals and seasons with your children. Share your ideas in our comments section.