As the world turns and seasons change, here in Britain we’re aware of the evenings drawing in and know it won’t be long until it’s time to change our clocks again. Some members of our community have recently celebrated the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, marking a time of renewal and reflection. Over the next few weeks many other festivals, faiths and philosophies will draw on the metaphor of turning from darkness to light, and a common theme resonates throughout these celebrations – that of the power of human kindness to illuminate the world.
Among Hindu communities worldwide, Diwali stands as a radiant testament to light’s triumph over darkness. Homes are adorned with diyas and streets illuminated with festive lights.
The traditions of Halloween, with its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, serve to confront fears about darkness in playful ways. Carved pumpkins, their faces illuminated from within, symbolise how inner light can transform even the most forbidding exterior.
In the Christian faith, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the ‘Light of the World’ and the paschal candle at Easter and the star of Bethlehem at Christmas are connected to the light of faith spreading through the community.
In the Muslim community, Ramadan is a time to focus on giving to charity, showing kindness and patience and strengthening one’s relationship with God.
In Buddhism, light and dark are concepts that relate to enlightenment, awakening and the nature of reality. Buddhism teaches that it is by facing and dealing with the darkness that we can fully realise that there is nothing to fear.
In a world which can be overshadowed by conflict and division, acts of kindness serve as pinpricks of light. A word of encouragement, a helping hand or a moment of patience in frustration are all small gestures of kindness which accumulate, creating a constellation of hope.
Our students in the Abbey Gardens have been reflecting on how we can mirror this in our school community, and have collaborated to create the ‘Golden Threads of Kindness.’ Starting with the simple but powerful message ‘We are kind with our words and actions’ the students are now sharing these golden threads throughout the Junior School. So, as the world turns and seasons change, let us face our shadows bravely, kindle our inner light courageously and act with kindness and compassion.
Sacha Heard, Assistant Head