I am not sure if yesterday or today was/is St. Martin's Day here in Germany, but Niki's KiGa celebrated yesterday and Jenna's today.
The tradition goes that Martin was in the Roman Army and he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of the cold. That night he dreamed that Jesus was wearing the half-cloak Martin had given away. Martin heard Jesus say to the angels: "Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptised; he has clothed me." (As ye have done it unto me...) He left the Army to lead a peaceful life but the church wanted him to become a leader in the church. According to legend, Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why he hid in a stable filled with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his location to the people who were looking for him. Thus he became a Bishop.
They celebrate it by having a little parade where kids carry lights through the village. Niki's KiGa just colored this white bags and put them over flashlights. Jenna's class made more elaborate ones where you have a little stick with a battery white light at the end and hang a paper lantern attached around it.
Our village did a little re-enactment of the scene then the kids sang some songs and did a little circle dance and we walked around the village. Luckily the weather was cooperative (always an if at this time of the year) and it was some-what warm with no rain but a bit windy. After walking around everyone gathered back at the KiGa and they gave small bread geese for the kids and the adults could buy drinks and food. (Apparently part of the story is that St. Martin hid in a barn and the geese protected him from the Army).
I know this is blury but I like the how the lights are emphasized. Wish I knew more about the camera and could have done something special with it that wasn't blury.
The re-enactment:
The umpa band that lead us around the village while the children sang. (One song is sung to the tune of "It's raining, it's pouring..." and goes "Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne...")
I love the feeling of community that these traditions promote.
I love St. Martin's Day. What a fun tradition! I also wanted to comment on your vacation. It looks like you had an amazing time! I hope that it was truly relaxing and rejuvinating! You truly deserve a break now and then!
Posted by: Marnie at November 11, 2008 06:28 PMThat is sooo sweeeet! I love the picture of Niki and Jenna holding hands. That's precious. YOu are bringing back memories of when I lived in Austria and they celebrated such holidays/traditions.
Posted by: Jeni at November 11, 2008 06:43 PMI love that you are involved in the community and its holiday activities. I also love how those activities bring the community together. Thanks so much for sharing so much of your Turkish Holiday with us. I really loved the pictures and your travel logs-I'm thinking of how wonderful those Turkish Messages must have been! I can't wait to talk to you soon to hear more about the trip.
Posted by: Holly Domm at November 12, 2008 12:31 AMEnjoyed reading about the traditions in your community and seeing the pictures. Thanks again for sharing your vacation with us.
Posted by: Joan at November 12, 2008 04:19 AMThis holiday always brings back memories. At the time I was not familiar with it but it was one of the first activities Daniel did with the Campbells when he went to live with them -- right there in Herschberg. N & J look like they took seriously their part with the lanterns! How true about the sense of community!
Posted by: Dana at November 12, 2008 07:03 PM