St. Martin's Day in Germany

Date: November 11th

History: St. Martin's Day, also known as Martinstag or Martinmas, is a religious observance in Germany that commemorates Saint Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who later became a monk and was known for his acts of kindness. The most famous legend associated with him is cutting his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm to save the beggar from dying of the cold.

Traditions:

• Lantern Processions (Martinsumzüge): Children make paper lanterns at school or home and then gather after dark to walk through the streets singing traditional songs about St. Martin.
• St. Martin's Goose (Martinsgans): Eating goose on this day is a customary feast, symbolizing the end of the agrarian year and the start of the harvest.
• Bonfires: In some regions, bonfires are lit to provide warmth and light, reminiscent of the light that St. Martin brought into people's lives.
• Plays and Reenactments: The story of St. Martin sharing his cloak is often reenacted by someone playing St. Martin on horseback.

What People Do:

• Families with children participate in lantern processions.
• Attend church services dedicated to St. Martin.
• Communities gather for festive meals featuring roast goose, red cabbage, and dumplings.
• Enjoy traditional pastries like "Martinsbrezel," a sweet pretzel.

St. Martin's Day serves as an occasion for charity and community gatherings, reflecting on the altruistic spirit of its namesake saint.