We had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate a new holiday: Martinstag. On November 11, children make their own lanterns and go door-to-door, singing the traditional songs about Martin, a Roman soldier who got baptized as an adult and became a monk. He is remembered for his kind act of cutting his cloak in two to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. Children form singing parades, carrying their lanterns, led by a man dressed up as Martin and riding on horseback.
I learned the traditional songs by borrowing (and copying) a songbook from a girl at our church. One of my most treasured souvenirs, I'm sure! Daisy made a "laterne" at Spielgruppe, and Chris and I munched on ginormous Martinsbrezeln. The day is a sort of launch into the holiday season here, and I'm enjoying having a long wind-up for Christmas.
Here are our sweet pretzels and Daisy's lantern:
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