As the darkest night of the year approaches, the Whidbey Island Waldorf School is preparing to welcome the public to a special night of light and reflection.

Since 1985, early childhood classes at the South Whidbey school have been walking the Winter Spiral, an arrangement of evergreen branches illuminated by candles. This year’s public event is the fourth one hosted for the wider community to attend.

A tradition shared by Waldorf schools all around the world, the Winter Spiral is about anticipating the return of light during a time when everything is dark and everyone is settling down for the season.

This year’s event takes place between 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Huckleberry Hall, the auditorium on campus, which is located at 6335 Old Pietila Road in Clinton. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lanterns or candles, which are placed within the spiral.

Years ago, apples were lit with candles, but that is no longer the case, Whidbey Island Waldorf School Enrollment and Outreach Director Karina Bergen said. Classes at the school walk their own Winter Spirals, separate from Thursday’s event.

For three weeks, students deepen their relationship with nature by learning about minerals, plants and animals.

“As we pass through these weeks, we are moved toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe, of all that supports us, and all that we aspire to as well as all that needs our care and protection,” Bergen said.

For more information about the Winter Spiral, visit wiws.org/festival-life.

File photo by Karina Andrew/South Whidbey Record The Winter Spiral is a long-running tradition at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School.