St. Martin's Day - German

Hello! I am a special day in Germany. My name is St. Martin's Day, or Martinstag. People observe me every year on November 11th. I am a day for remembering a very kind man whose name was Martin. People tell a story about him to remember why it is important to be kind.

The story says that one cold day, Martin saw a man who did not have a warm coat. Martin wanted to help, so he cut his own big, warm cloak right in half. He gave one half to the man to help him stay warm. My day helps everyone remember to be kind and to share with people who need help.

To celebrate me, children do something very special in the evening. They carry bright lanterns that they made themselves. The lanterns can be shaped like shining suns, glowing moons, or even cute animals. Together, the children walk in a big parade called a procession. All of their lanterns light up the dark night, making everything look beautiful and cozy.

While the children walk with their lanterns, they sing special songs about me and about St. Martin's kindness. Sometimes, a person dressed up as St. Martin rides a horse at the front of the parade. After the walk is over, children might get a yummy treat. It is often a sweet pastry baked in the shape of a little man. Celebrating me is a happy way to think about sharing and bringing light into the world.