Li Chi Slays the Serpent: a girl power story for Michaelmas

 

 click here for the story “Li Chi Slays the Serpent“

I love Michaelmas Even though I am not Catholic or even Christian. I love it for the symbolism. The dragon stands for all of the evils in our world (racism, sexism, commercialism, egoism), and in our own hearts (fear & anxiety). We must summon our own inner power, and for ourselves become the dragon slayer who conquers those base emotions, and allow our inner light to shine & lead us through this time of increasing darkness until  the sun makes a return after the winter solstice. This time of year brings about a renewal of spirit, and challenges us to develop brave, and Strong free wills.

I also love the story of St. george and the dragon, but since I have a daughter I feel it is important to present a girl hero. The story of how Li Chi Slays the Serpent is a beautiful sister tale to the story of St. George. Just click on the title above to be taken to a simple version of the story. Jane Yolen also wrote an anthology about girl heroes called Not One Damsel In Distress. It is a great book full of real folktales about girl heroes.

All this week we will be doing Michaelmas activities & posting them here. We will be making

• a wooden sword
• sandpaper to sand our sword
• a dragon hat
• natural dyes for our cape
• a golden cape of light
• dragon bread
• a  dragon kite to fly

I hope you all have a rich, and wonderful fall.