approx. 6 min read
As a father of a preschooler and two primary school children, the St. Martin’s procession is an event we all look forward to every year. It is not only a beautiful tradition, but also an opportunity to teach my children important values such as compassion and helpfulness. But before the procession begins, 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 encountered a shivering beggar. Martin did not hesitate for long; he cut his soldier’s cloak with his sword and gave half to the man to protect him from the cold. This act of compassion remains at the heart of the St. Martin’s festival to this day. Martin’s mercy and his commitment to those in need made him a role model for generations.
The lantern procession for St. Martin’s Day has a long tradition, dating back to the desire to honor St. Martin’s good deeds and symbolically bring light into the darkness. The lanterns proudly carried by children represent the light of compassion and hope that St. Martin spread through his mercy when he shared his cloak with a shivering beggar. The procession reminds us how important it is to help others, especially during the cold and dark season. In the past, the lights were often accompanied by torches; today, it is mainly handmade or store-bought lanterns that keep this custom alive and bathe the streets in a warm, radiant glow.
The tradition of eating goose on St. Martin’s Day dates back to several legends and historical references. One well-known story tells that St. Martin was so humble that he tried to hide before being appointed Bishop of Tours. He hid in a goose pen, but the clucking of the geese gave him away, and he reluctantly accepted the bishopric. Another reason lies in the medieval practice of ending the agricultural year on St. Martin’s Day. This was the time when rent payments were due, often in the form of geese, which were then served as a festive meal to celebrate the day. Thus, the custom of serving goose on Martin’s Day developed, symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new.
Ideas for the St. Martin’s Procession
The St. Martin’s procession is particularly exciting for children, as they march through the streets with glowing lanterns and sing St. Martin’s songs. I also accompany my children with enthusiasm every year—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 crafted at preschool and primary school. My youngest especially loves designing their own lantern. We experiment with different motifs: from simple stars and hearts to more complex figures such as dragons or animals. The two older children like trying more elaborate designs with paper cutouts or 3D effects.
- Crafting idea: Upcycled lantern: A particularly wonderful 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 helps children become more aware of the environment and sustainability.
- Store-bought vs. handmade lanterns: Every year, many parents ask themselves: buy or make? Of course, beautiful ready-made lanterns are available for purchase, which is very convenient when you are short on time. However, I notice that my children are much prouder of their handmade lanterns. It is a creative process that makes them look forward to the procession even more. When the lantern then glows in the dark, it is not only the lights that shine, but also my children’s eyes.
Another discussion that comes up every year in our family is the choice between a real candle and an electric light in the lantern. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages:
- Candlelight: The warm flicker of a real candle has a very special charm. It reminds me of my own childhood, when we still marched through the streets with real candles. However, open flames naturally carry the risk of setting the lantern on fire, especially in windy weather. This is often too risky, especially for younger children like my little one.
- Electric light: There are now many options for electric lantern lights that are safer and more practical. Modern LED lights provide a pleasant, warm glow that looks almost as beautiful as candlelight—and without any fire hazard. For the youngest children, these lights are clearly the better choice, as they are more stable and often more durable.
In our family, we have agreed that my preschooler will carry an electric lantern, while the two older children use candles—of course under constant supervision.
Getting Together After the Procession
After the procession, the children always look forward to getting together with the other families. At our school, there is often a fire pit where we stand together, drink children’s punch, and share Martinsmännchen (small, sweet yeast pastries). I particularly like this tradition because it embodies the spirit of St. Martin—sharing and togetherness.
Sometimes we think about how we can better integrate the idea of sharing into everyday life, for example by collecting donations or sharing food with people in need. It is wonderful to see how the children embrace this idea and make their own suggestions on how they can help others.
Safety During Martinssingen
After the big St. Martin’s bonfire at school, there is another very special tradition in our region of Bergisches Land: so-called 'Mätensingen'. In small groups, children go from house to house and sing their favorite St. Martin’s songs. In return, they are often given delicious mandarins or small sweets. The children’s eyes always shine especially brightly when their jute bags are filled with treats by the friendly grandmas and grandpas from the neighborhood.
As a father, I naturally always worry a little when the little ones are out 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 have gone. This gives me peace of mind when they are out with their friends. And if anything should happen, they can easily contact me using the watch.
The St. Martin’s procession is a special experience for our family every year. It is not only a festival of lights and songs, but also a wonderful opportunity to teach the children the values of compassion and sharing. Whether with handmade or store-bought lanterns, candles or electric lights—joy and togetherness are always at the heart of it.
