St Martin’s Day and lantern processions

In short: On 11 November, Martinmas is celebrated in many parts of Germany. Children walk through the streets with home-made lanterns and sing St Martin songs.

In more detail: The day commemorates Martin of Tours, a 4th-century saint. The best-known legend tells how, as a Roman soldier, he cut his cloak in two with his sword and gave one half to a freezing beggar.

In detail

• Who was Martin: Martin was first a soldier, then became a Christian, lived as a monk and later became Bishop of Tours in what is now France.
• The message: Sharing the cloak stands for sharing, charity and helping people in need; this is why the festival is also widely celebrated outside the church.
• Making lanterns: In nurseries and primary schools, lanterns are made from paper, card or cheese boxes in the weeks beforehand.
• The procession: Often a Martin rides ahead on a horse, and sometimes the sharing of the cloak is re-enacted; the children sing songs such as “Ich geh mit meiner Laterne” (I walk with my lantern).
• Martin’s bonfire: In many places the procession ends at a large bonfire, often organised by the fire brigade or local clubs.
• Baking: Depending on the region there are sweet yeast buns shaped like a man, called Weckmann, Stutenkerl or Martinsmann, or St Martin pretzels.
• Martin’s goose: Traditionally roast goose is eaten around Martinmas; one legend says cackling geese gave Martin away when he hid to avoid being chosen as bishop.
• Singing at doors: In some regions children go from house to house, sing and receive sweets; the custom has its own local names.
• Safety and date: Electric lantern sticks are common today because they are safer than candles; on the same date the carnival season also begins at 11:11 am (karneval-fasching-und-fastnacht, feiertage-in-deutschland).