St. Martin’s Day
On November 11, German children celebrate St. Martin’s Day, which marks the beginning of the German carnival season, known as “Fassnacht” or “Fasching.” Children make lanterns, lit by candles and attached to long sticks with wire, and parade after dark, singing songs. Often, there is a bonfire after the parade. Then the children go from house to house in smaller groups, singing their songs. Similar to the Halloween tradition of trick or treating, they receive sweets and candy as reward for their singing and beautiful lanterns.
Origins
St. Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier who was baptized and became a monk, and then eventually the Bishop of Tours. He was said to be a quiet, simple and very kind man. Among the many legends about him is one in which he gave his coat to a beggar during a snowstorm. He did not want to be appointed Bishop, and hid from the crowd that was coming to take him to be appointed in a barn. A flock of geese made a lot of noise, giving away his hiding place, which is why the goose is the animal symbol of St. Martin and a favorite meal on his Day.
St. Martin’s Day falls at the same time as pre-Christian early Winter festivities celebrating light and fertility, and the Church incorporated some of the pagan traditions into this holiday. It also coincides with Remembrance Day, which marks the end of World War I.
Instructions for making lanterns with milk cartons.
Make lanterns from cheese containers.
Instructions for making Chinese paper lanterns.
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