Songs, lanterns and St. Martin's geese: every year on November 11th there are parades in many German cities in memory of St. Martin.
Where does the custom come from?
Munich - “I'm going with my lantern” is the motto in many German cities on November 11th.
The St. Martin's Parades traditionally take place on this day.
But who was Saint Martin actually?
Why do we celebrate it?
And what do the lanterns and St. Martin's geese have to do with it?
An overview.
St. Martin: Life and Death of the Bishop of Tours
According to tradition, St. Martin was born around the year 316/317 AD in the Roman city of Savaria in today's Hungary.
In the course of his life he was ordained the third Bishop of Tours in France.
St. Martin is considered to be the founder of western monasticism.
He died on November 8, 397 at the age of 81.
The funeral took place three days later on November 11th in Tours.
Today Saint Martin is one of the most famous saints in the Catholic Church - but is also venerated in the Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches.
St. Martin on November 11th: Saint rides past beggars and shares his cloak
Martin's Day traditionally takes place on November 11th.
It celebrates the good deeds of the saint.
As a Roman soldier, St. Martin is said to have ridden past a freezing beggar on his horse.
Out of charity, according to the stories, he divided his coat in two and gave one half to the man in need.
St. Martin himself kept the other. This scene is re-enacted today in many St. Martin's parades.
On the same night, St. Martin is said to have appeared to Jesus Christ in a dream, with the split cloak over his shoulder.
As a result, Martin confessed to being a disciple of Jesus and was baptized.
Today Saint Martin is seen as a role model in terms of humanity, humility and charity.
St. Martin: origin of the custom of the St. Martin's goose
In 371, St. Martin was to be ordained Bishop of Tours.
However, he is said to have felt himself to be unworthy.
As a result, St. Martin went into hiding and, according to stories, hid in a goose stable.
Due to the loud cackling of the animals, he was discovered by the citizens and appointed bishop.
The custom of the St. Martin's goose is said to have originated from this story.
According to another story, geese are said to have interrupted a sermon by the saint.
As a punishment, the animals are said to have been slaughtered.
St. Martin's goose is traditionally prepared with red cabbage and bread or potato dumplings.
Alternatively, there are also Martins pastries.
St. Martin 2021: lanterns, singing and Martinsfeuer
The annual St. Martin's Parades are traditionally organized in many places by parishes, kindergartens or primary schools. They often take place in the early evening, just before dark. The most famous symbol of St. Martin's Day are the lanterns. Children often make these themselves in advance. The light from candles or LED lights is supposed to drive away the darkness and convey the message of St. Martin.
The parades, which have been going on for hundreds of years, are often led by a rider with a red coat.
Behind it are children and adults with their glowing lanterns.
They sing numerous songs in honor of St. Martin.
At the end of the parades, people often gather around a large Martin fire.
Often donations are also collected for charitable organizations and social projects.
In the past year 2020, there were no Martin parades in many places due to the corona pandemic.
This year, on November 11th, the lanterns should light up again and the songs will sound in many cities and towns.
In addition to the safety distance due to the corona virus, experts also advise keeping a sufficient distance from the fire and horse when moving.
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