BTW. Saint Martin (aka San Martin Caballero in the Spanish language) is also the patron saint of the little community where I live here in South Texas.
Posted on 11/13/2017 9:16:41 AM PST by SandRat
If you’ve ever been out on the streets in Germany on a Nov. 11 evening, you’ve most likely seen crowds of children marching through the streets carrying lanterns and chanting. It’s what we do on St. Martin’s Day, and a beloved childhood memory for most of my fellow Germans as well as myself.
St. Martin was a Roman soldier born in modern-day Hungary between 316 and 336 A.D. who spent most of his adult life in France and eventually was baptized and became a monk. There are various legends surrounding his life, but one of the most prevalent – and the one most preschool and elementary school children in my region of Germany are told – is that he once cut his cloak in half to save a beggar from dying in the winter’s cold.
In the week’s leading up to St. Martin’s Day, children in Germany are busy crafting colorful lanterns and, by sundown on Nov. 11, typically assemble at their school’s yard or other public places. With their lanterns lit, they then sing Martin songs and process through the streets, typically following a man on horseback dressed up in a Roman-like uniform and wearing a long, red cloak. In some areas, once the procession reaches its destination, bonfires are lit and “Martin pretzels” are handed out to the children. The origin of the lantern processions isn’t clear, but many believe that the lantern's’ light symbolizes the hope St. Martin gave to the poor in dark times. The songs the children chant celebrate Martin as a gentle, warm man who was willing to share what he had and generally gave people hope with his good deeds.
Growing up in Germany, I enjoyed this event immensely and looked forward to it all year. The message that resonated with me even as a child was what I now, as an adult, believe is one of the most basic, yet important notions we can possibly pass on to our children: It’s not all about you. There are always others who are less fortunate than you. And it is our duty as good citizens to help when we see somebody in greater need than we are.
It is a mindset that I wish more people would adopt, not only during this time of the year when giving is more popular than throughout the rest of the year. Plenty of organizations are trying to do good all year long, not only during the holidays. While every donated can of food for your neighborhood church’s turkey drive is much appreciated, there are plenty of members in our community who are in need of help all year long, not only in November and December.
With that I challenge you to make a difference, not only during the holidays but throughout the year. Do it once a month, or do it once a week if you’re able to. Do it daily if you’re that fortunate! Will people take advantage of others’ good deeds? Of course, but the vast majority is nothing but grateful for any help they can get, and that makes it all worth it.
So go buy a gift card at your favorite coffee shop and give it to a person in need. Get a few packs of water bottles on sale and hand them out to the homeless in the area. Donate clothes to somebody who clearly needs it. Pick up a few extra groceries for the single parent who you know is struggling to feed their children. Donate that old winter coat you haven’t worn in years. Pick up an extra meal at the drive-thru and give it to somebody who’s hungry.
Do not just donate a can of cranberry sauce or green beans this month just so you feel better about yourself. ‘Tis the season, but being in need doesn’t adhere to a calendar.
Kaffeeklatsch is written by Kat Hanson, a native of Germany and military spouse of ten years. She moved to Sierra Vista with her active-duty Army husband and two children in 2014. She previously lived in Monterey, California, Fort Stewart, Georgia, and her native Germany. Kat is a marketing consultant in the Advertising Department at the Herald/Review.
What a heart-warming tradition!
BTW. Saint Martin (aka San Martin Caballero in the Spanish language) is also the patron saint of the little community where I live here in South Texas.
The spirit is already catching on! Well, sort of...
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