In Germany, St. Martin's Day is observed mainly in the predominately Catholic regions. The beloved tradition is often also celebrated by non-Catholics in schools, kindergartens and community groups.
This saint's day is celebrated in Austria, Switzerland, France and other European countries as well.
Legend of St. Martin
Martin von Tours was born in 316 AD in Sabaria in what is now Hungary, the son of a Roman army officer. He grew up in Pavia, Italy, and joined the army himself at 15. Beginning in 334, he was posted as a cavalry officer in Amiens (France).
It was in Amiens, according to the legend, that he encountered a beggar dressed in rags on a cold winter night. The beggar asked him for help, and Martin cut his cloak in two and gave half to the poor man. The following night, Martin dreamed of the beggar, who revealed himself to be Jesus Christ.
After this experience, Martin became baptized as a Christian, left army service and moved to Poitiers, France, to become a disciple of Bishop Hilarius.
Another legend regarding Martin tells that his service to the poor made him beloved by the people. They wanted to make him Bishop of Tours after the death of the previous bishop, but Martin did not believe himself to be worthy of the honor and tried to hide from the crowd in a goose stall. The geese honked so loudly that he was soon discovered. Martin then punished the geese by roasting them.
Martin did, in fact, become Bishop of Tours in 371 and remained in service to the church until his death in 397. He founded the first monastery in Gaul and numerous others in France.
It is believed that Martin was canonized by the church in the 7th century. He is the patron saint of beggars, soldiers, and a variety of tradespeople, including coopers, wine-growers, weavers and shepherds.
Bonfires and Lanterns on St. Martin's Day
German children traditionally celebrate St. Martin's Day with an evening parade of lanterns (Laternenfest). For this, children carry with long sticks paper lanterns lit inside with a candle. They sing traditional St. Martin's songs during the procession through the streets, parks or playgrounds. In some places, children watch a reenactment of St. Martin's original act of charity to the beggar in Amiens.
Some mark the holiday by gathering around a bonfire and enjoying traditional food and drinks.
It is unclear where the traditions of bonfires and lanterns come from. Some believe they are meant to symbolize Christ's light in the darkness. Others think that the bonfires grew out of a common practice among farmers at the end of the harvest in autumn.
Traditional Food and Drink of St. Martin's Day
Eating roast goose was once the normal practice on November 11th in Germany, in keeping with St. Martin's practice of roasting the geese who gave him away. Nowadays, goose is not as common but still served in some homes.
At lantern parades and bonfires, adults drink mulled wine and children warm punch or hot chocolate. Also traditional are Weckmaenner, large cookies made out of sweet dough and formed into the shape of a man with a pipe in his mouth.
St. Martin's Day is one of the most popular holidays for children in Germany. Preparations begin days ahead as the children make their own lanterns, help bake the Weckmaenner cookies and practice singing the songs in honor of the saint.
The tradition of lighting lanterns on a chilly fall night and remembering one man's good deeds to the poor is shared by many, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
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