Our Four Family: Saint Martin's Day

November 11 is Saint Martin's Day in Germany. This is mostly a holiday for children. Saint Martin was a 4th century AD Roman soldier who used his sword to cut his own cloak and give half of it to a beggar. He gave to the poor and was eventually asked to become a bishop. He was too modest, so hid in a barn. The people used lanterns to find him, and he agreed to serve as their bishop. Kindergarten children here make lanterns and learn songs about Saint Martin. Each town has a night parade where somebody wearing a cloak and riding a horse (representing St. Martin) rides through the streets, followed by children carrying their lanterns and singing. Afterward, they all meet for a bonfire and eat sweet bread shaped like a bishop.

Our friends the Arnolds joined us for St. Martins. Please note Claire had some face painting done at school that day, so she looks slightly garish, but still happy and adorable. Great lanterns!