St. Martin's Day - German

I am St. Martin’s Day, a special day people in Germany observe each year on November 11th. My German name is Martinstag. I exist to honor a kind man named Martin who lived a very long time ago. He began as a Roman soldier, but he became famous for his generosity and his desire to help others. Because he spent his life sharing what he had, he later became known as Saint Martin of Tours. My day is a time for people to remember his good deeds and think about how they can also be kind to those around them.

The most famous story people tell about Martin explains why he is so well remembered for his compassion. According to the tale, Martin was riding his horse on a freezing winter day when he saw a poor man shivering by the side of the road. The man had no coat to protect him from the cold. Seeing this, Martin made a quick decision. He pulled out his soldier’s sword, but not to fight. Instead, he used the sword to slice his own warm, heavy cloak right in half. He gave one of the pieces to the man to help him stay warm. This single act of sharing is the most important reason my traditions exist.

One of my most beautiful customs begins after the sun sets. In the days leading up to my arrival, children get busy making their own lanterns. They often use colorful paper and cardboard to build them, creating all sorts of wonderful shapes and designs. On the evening of November 11th, children gather for lantern parades, which are called a Laternenumzug. They walk together through their towns, holding their glowing lanterns up high. The lights bobbing in the darkness are a beautiful sight. Sometimes, a person dressed as St. Martin, complete with a cloak and a horse, leads the parade, reminding everyone of his story.

After a chilly evening walk, enjoying special food is another one of my traditions. For many families, a traditional dinner is a roasted goose, which is called a Martinsgans. It’s a warm, hearty meal for a November night. The children in the parade also have a treat to look forward to. After the walk, they often receive a special sweet bread baked in the shape of a person. This yummy bread figure is called a Weckmann. It is a delicious way for children to end their evening of walking and singing.

Today, my celebrations continue to focus on the ideas of light and sharing. As children march with their lanterns, they fill the air with the sound of special St. Martin's Day songs. These songs often tell the story of Martin and his generous act. My traditions, from the glowing lanterns that brighten the dark to the sharing of sweet bread, are all meant to remind people about the importance of kindness. They bring light and warmth to the cool winter evenings, just as Martin once shared his cloak to bring warmth to someone in need.