On November 11th, Saint Martin is celebrated in our region (and I think also in many other catholic areas of Germany). Even though it is not a holiday, there are traditionally long lantern processions organized by kindergartens, schools and parishes, which also take place a few days before and after the actual date.
It is mainly children who carry the lanterns, which they have usually made themselves, and adults who then accompany them.
The legend of the saint
Saint Martin, who is celebrated on this day, was a Roman soldier who lived around 300 AD and who cut his coat in two on a frosty winter night to share it with a freezing beggar. The following night, Jesus is said to have appeared to him in a dream, dressed in half his coat.
Martin was then canonized and is still regarded today as a model of selflessness and charity.
Songs and candy
And so a disguised Saint Martin rides ahead of the lantern bearers on a horse.
Similar to the Halloween custom, children also parade from door to door, singing with their lanterns for candy: “Hier wohnt ein reicher Mann, der uns was geben kann! Viel soll er geben, lang soll er leben!” reads one of the many St. Martin‘s verses.
Traditionally, there are also the so-called Weckmänner (decorated with raisins and small clay pipes), where Weck is another word for white bread.
Luise: selfmade shoes, trousers, hat and pullover with selfmade embroidery
Lina: leggins from the made to move Yoga-Barbie, Boots from Ebay, scarf from Etsy and selfmade hat and pullover
With selfmade lanterns and a Weckman made of polymer clay