As a father of one kindergarten child and two primary school children, the St. Martin's procession is an event we all look forward to every year. Not only is it a wonderful tradition, but it is also an opportunity to teach my children important values such as charity and helpfulness. But before the parade starts, the story of St. Martin takes center stage, reminding us why we celebrate this day.
The story of St. Martin
St. Martin of Tours lived in the 4th century as a Roman soldier and later became a bishop. His most famous deed, which made him a legend, took place on a cold winter evening when he came across a freezing beggar. Martin didn't hesitate for long and shared his soldier's coat with his sword, giving the man half of it to protect him from the cold. This act of charity is still at the heart of St. Martin's Day today. Martin's compassion and his commitment to those in need made him a role model for generations.
The lantern procession on St. Martin's Day has a long tradition that goes back to the desire to honor the good deeds of St. Martin and symbolically bring light into the darkness. The lanterns, proudly carried by children, represent the light of charity and hope that St. Martin spread through his compassion as he shared his coat with a freezing beggar. The procession is a reminder of how important it is to help others, especially in the cold and dark season. In the past, the lights were often accompanied by torches, but today it is mainly homemade or bought lanterns that keep this custom alive and bathe the streets in a warm, radiant light.
The tradition of eating a goose on St. Martin's Day goes back to several legends and historical references. One well-known story tells that St. Martin was so modest that he wanted to hide before his appointment as Bishop of Tours. He hid in a goose stall, but the chattering of the geese betrayed him, whereupon he reluctantly accepted the office of bishop. Another reason lies in the medieval practice of ending the farming year on St. Martin's Day. This was the time when rent payments were due, often in the form of geese, which then served as a feast to celebrate the day. This is how the custom of serving a goose on St. Martin's Day developed, symbolizing the transition from the old to the new year.
Ideas for the St. Martin's procession
The St. Martin's procession is particularly exciting for children, as they parade through the streets with shining lanterns and sing St. Martin's songs. I also accompany my children every year with enthusiasm - and every year we come up with new creative ideas to make the procession even more beautiful:
- Designing lanterns: Preparation often begins weeks in advance, when lanterns are diligently made in kindergarten and elementary school. My youngest in particular loves making his own lantern. We experiment with different motifs: from simple stars and hearts to more complex figures such as dragons or animals. The two older ones like to try their hand at more elaborate designs with silhouettes or 3D effects.
- Craft idea: Upcycling lantern: A particularly nice idea is to use old materials to make sustainable lanterns. Empty milk or juice cartons are perfect for creating colorful lanterns by painting and decorating them. This is not only fun, but also promotes children's awareness of the environment and sustainability.
- Purchased vs. homemade lanterns: Every year, many parents are faced with the question: buy or make your own? Of course, you can buy beautiful, ready-made lanterns, which are very practical if you don't have much time. However, I notice that my children are much prouder of the lanterns they make themselves. It's a creative process that adds to the anticipation of the procession. When the lantern glows in the dark, not only do the lights shine, but so do my children's eyes.
Another discussion that comes up with us every year is the choice between a real candle and an electric light in the lantern. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages:
- Candlelight: The warm flickering of a real candle has a very special charm. It reminds me of my own childhood, when we used to walk through the streets with real candles. However, with open flames there is of course a risk of the lantern catching fire, especially in windy weather. This is often too risky, especially for younger children like my little one.
- Electric light: There are many safer and more practical options for electric lantern lights today. Modern LED lights provide a pleasant, warm light that looks almost as beautiful as candles - and without any risk of fire. These lights are clearly the better choice for the little ones, as they are more stable and often more robust.
We have agreed that my kindergarten child will carry an electric lantern, while the two older ones go out with candles - under constant supervision, of course.
The get-together after the move
After the procession, the children always look forward to being together with the other families. At our school, there is often a fireplace where we stand together, drink children's punch and share the St. Martin's men (small sweet yeast pastries). I particularly like this tradition because it picks up on the spirit of St. Martin - sharing and being together.
Sometimes we think about how we can integrate the idea of sharing even more into everyday life, for example by collecting donations or sharing food with people in need. It's great to see how the children take up this idea and make suggestions themselves on how they can help others.
Safety when singing Martinmas
After the big St. Martin's bonfire at school, there is a very special tradition here in the Bergisches Land: the so-called 'Mätensingen'. The children go from house to house in small groups and sing their favorite St. Martin's songs. They are often rewarded with delicious mandarins or small sweets. The children's eyes always light up when the jute bags are filled with treats by the kind grannies and grandpas from the neighborhood.
As a father, I'm naturally always a little worried when the little ones are out and about on their own. But thanks to our Anio 6 kids' smartwatches, I can always keep an eye on them. I can see on my phone where they are and how far they've come. This gives me a reassuring feeling when they are out and about with their friends. And if something should happen, they can easily contact me via the watch.
The St. Martin's procession is a special experience for us as a family every year. It is not only a celebration of lights and songs, but also a wonderful opportunity to teach the children the values of charity and sharing. Whether with homemade or bought lanterns, with candles or electric lights - the focus is always on joy and solidarity.
