One of the great things about living in Germany as a military family is experiencing the local traditions. Often, these traditions can be unique to individual towns, but traditions such as St. Martin’s Day are celebrated all throughout Germany and other parts of Europe.
St. Martin’s Day is on November 11, and although it’s not a holiday where schools and businesses close, it is an evening celebration focusing on community, joy, and the spirit of giving.
St. Martin’s Day is particularly special among little children. It is a unique tradition from making the lanterns to the lantern parade. This guide will review a brief history of this special day and what to expect when joining the celebrations.
The History and Significance of St Martin’s Day
From my research, St. Martin of Tours was a French Roman Soldier who eventually became a monk. His love for Christ and giving spirit set him apart from the other soldiers.
It is said that his parents had forced him to join the army at a young age. When offered a bonus, he said, “I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ, and it is not lawful for me to fight.”
He is most remembered for his acts of kindness. The most notable story of St. Martin involves him cutting his cloak in half and giving it to a freezing beggar, saving his life.
So why November 11th? The date marks St. Martin’s burial in 397. This date also marks the beginning of Winter.
St Martin’s Lantern Ceremony and Parade
The lantern procession is one of the biggest highlights of the St Martin’s Day celebrations. The kindergartens and elementary schools will organize an evening parade where the kids carry their homemade lanterns. Many schools will have their own neighborhood routes near the schools.
If you have young children in school, they have likely spent the last week making lanterns with their classmates.
Many of the towns will have their own public lantern processions. This is great for older kids and adults who wish to participate in this unique celebration.
The public lantern procession in our Town of Überlingen is quite large!
Popular Lantern Songs
During the Lantern Procession, the children will sing traditional songs. One of the popular songs is “Laterne, Laterne”. This was a favorite in the kindergarten.
Laterne, Laterne
Laterne, Laterne, Sonne Mond und Sterne (Lantern, Lantern, sun, moon and stars)
Brenne auf mein Licht, brenne auf mein Licht (Burn on my light, burn on my light)
Aber du, meine liebe Laterne nicht. (But not you, my dear lantern)
Laterne, Laterne, der Mond scheint in der ferne (Lantern Lantern the moon shines in the distance)
Wenn es dunkel ist, wenn is dunkel ist (When it’s dark, when it’s dark)
Weiss ich wie schon du meine Laterne bist. (I know how you are already my lantern)
Laterne, Laterne, im Dunkel da leuchten de Sterne (Lanter Lantern, in the darkness the stars shine)
Sie leuchten so ell, sie leuchten so hell (They shine so brightly, they shine so brightly)
Ich zund an meine liebe Laterne schnell (I’ll light my dear lantern quickly)
Lanterne, Lanterne, in den Himmel scahu ich gerne. (Lantern Lantern, I like to look up at the sky)
Viele Kinder geh’n, viele Kinder geh’n (Lots of children go, lots of children go)
Mit ihren Laternen, das ist wunderschon (With their lanterns, it’s wonderful)
Laterne, Laterne, Sonne Mond und Sterne (Lantern, Lantern, sun, moon and stars)
Brenne auf mein Licht, brenne auf mein Licht (Burn on my light, burn on my light)
Aber du, meine liebe Laterne nicht. (But not you, my dear lantern)
You can listen to this song on YouTube here.
St. Martin’s Reenactment
This is a very special part of the celebration, and so much fun for the little kids to experience. Someone dresses like St. Martin and rides a horse, reenacting the moment he gave half of his cloak to the beggar. This performance demonstrates the significance of his selflessness and kindness.
This can be done around a bonfire.
The Giving of the Traditional St. Martin’s Day treats
At my sons kindergarten, the kids were given a Martinsbrezeln (Martin’s Pretzels) in which they are then supposed to share with someone.
Donations
This tradition is centered on kindness and giving. Schools may often encourage kids to bring in warm clothes, canned foods, and goods as charitable donations.
Our kindergarten families provided all sorts of goodies in support of donations. This included traditional warm beverages such as Kinderpunsch and Glüwhein. These are two popular German Winter beverages!
Additional Tips for Experiencing St. Martin’s Day
You will want to purchase a lantern stick; these can be purchased at Müller. They have little lights instead of candles.
YouTube some of the Lantern songs so you can participate and fully immerse yourself in this experience! I really liked the one that I included in this post.
If you have a baby, like myself, be sure to bring a baby carrier. You really want to have a hands-free experience to help your kids with the lanterns.
And dress warm! Germany during November can be pretty cold. For additional layering tips, check out my guide on How to Stay Warm during the Winter Months.
My Final Thoughts on St. Martin’s Day
St Martin’s Day offers a heartwarming glimpse into some of the local traditions, with the magical night representing kindness and generosity.
Celebrating this special day with your community is a great way to immerse yourself and make lasting memories with your kids. Our experience felt quite magical!
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