November is here and many of you will have likely noticed lanterns and sticks with lights on the end appearing in the shops. This means St. Martin's Day is coming and this post will explain some of the story behind St. Martin's Day and how it is celebrated with children here in Berlin
What is St. Martin's Day and why is it celebrated?
St. Martin's Day or Martinstag takes place on the 11th November each year and is named after a Roman soldier, also known as Martin of Tours, who became a monk. Legend states that he once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. It is a Catholic holiday but also has ties to the end of Autumn and the beginnings of Winter. Whilst the origins of the celebration come from religious origins, it is often celebrated by children, through their daycare (Kita or Tagesmutter) and/or schools, with a small lantern parade and celebration. It is common to see children walking through their neighbourhoods, lanterns held aloft and singing songs along the way. You can read more about the origins of Martinstag in English.
What are the lanterns and how does it all work?!
If your child is in kita or school, it is possible they will be holding a little celebration and possibly a 'Lanternenumzug' (Lantern parade) on or around the 11th November. Some kita's work with the children to create their own handmade lanterns, whilst others will expect you to bring either a homemade or shop bought one with you (more about where to buy them at the end of this post).
Different Kita's celebrate in their own way. Mine for example does a little walk around the local neighbourhood and then we all gather in front of the Kita to enjoy some food and drink and sing the songs. I recommend asking at your childcare about how they will be celebrating, whether or not you need to source a lantern and if you will need to bring a stick to hang the lantern on. Some children use real tea lights in their lanterns although I found that the flame often went out as the lantern was inevitably swung around so I always buy a battery operated stick that has a hanging light at the end which sits inside the lantern.
There are a few songs that are traditionally sung on St. Martin's Day and I am going to post them here so that you can learn them a bit and I've put a rough English translation underneath to help.
St. Martin's Day or Martinstag takes place on the 11th November each year and is named after a Roman soldier, also known as Martin of Tours, who became a monk. Legend states that he once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. It is a Catholic holiday but also has ties to the end of Autumn and the beginnings of Winter. Whilst the origins of the celebration come from religious origins, it is often celebrated by children, through their daycare (Kita or Tagesmutter) and/or schools, with a small lantern parade and celebration. It is common to see children walking through their neighbourhoods, lanterns held aloft and singing songs along the way. You can read more about the origins of Martinstag in English.
What are the lanterns and how does it all work?!
If your child is in kita or school, it is possible they will be holding a little celebration and possibly a 'Lanternenumzug' (Lantern parade) on or around the 11th November. Some kita's work with the children to create their own handmade lanterns, whilst others will expect you to bring either a homemade or shop bought one with you (more about where to buy them at the end of this post).
Different Kita's celebrate in their own way. Mine for example does a little walk around the local neighbourhood and then we all gather in front of the Kita to enjoy some food and drink and sing the songs. I recommend asking at your childcare about how they will be celebrating, whether or not you need to source a lantern and if you will need to bring a stick to hang the lantern on. Some children use real tea lights in their lanterns although I found that the flame often went out as the lantern was inevitably swung around so I always buy a battery operated stick that has a hanging light at the end which sits inside the lantern.
There are a few songs that are traditionally sung on St. Martin's Day and I am going to post them here so that you can learn them a bit and I've put a rough English translation underneath to help.
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Rough translation in to English
I walk with my lantern, And my lantern with me. There above, the stars shine, And we shine here below. The rooster, it crows, The cat meows. Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum (x2) I walk with my lantern, And my lantern with me. There above, the stars shine, And we shine here below. Martin marches Forward. Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum (x2) I walk with my lantern, And my lantern with me. There above, the stars shine, And we shine here below. Lantern light, Don't die out. Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum (x2) I walk with my lantern, And my lantern with me. There above, the stars shine, And we shine here below. A sea of light in honor of St Martin. Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum (x2) I walk with my lantern, And my lantern with me. There above, the stars shine, And we shine here below. My light is off, I go home Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum (x2) |
German Song
Ich geh mit meiner Laterne Und meine Laterne mit mir. Dort oben leuchten die Sterne Und unten leuchten wir. Der Hahn, der kräht, Die Katz miaut, Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum. (x2) Ich geh mit meiner Laterne Und meine Laterne mit mir. Dort oben leuchten die Sterne Und unten leuchten wir. Der Martinsmann, Der zieht voran, Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum. (x2) Ich geh mit meiner Laterne Und meine Laterne mit mir. Dort oben leuchten die Sterne Und unten leuchten wir. Laternenlicht, Verlösch mir nicht! Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum. (x2) Ich geh mit meiner Laterne Und meine Laterne mit mir. Dort oben leuchten die Sterne Und unten leuchten wir. Ein Lichtermeer zu Martins Ehr! Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum. (x2) Ich geh mit meiner Laterne Und meine Laterne mit mir. Dort oben leuchten die Sterne Und unten leuchten wir. Mein Licht ist aus, Iich geh nach Haus. Rabimmel, rabammel, rabum. (x2) |
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English rough translation Lantern, Lantern, Sun, moon and stars, Burn, my light, Burn, my light, But not my dear lantern. Lantern, Lantern, Sun, moon and stars, Lock up the wind, Lock up the wind, He can wait until we get home. Lantern, Lantern, Sun, moon and stars, Keep bright my light, Keep bright my light, Or my dear lantern won't shine. |
German Words Laterne, Laterne Sonne, Mond und Sterne Brenne auf, mein Licht, Brenne auf, mein Licht Aber nur meine liebe Laterne nicht. Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne, Sperrt ihn ein, den Wind, Sperrt ihn ein, den Wind, Er soll warten, bis wir zu Hause sind. Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne, Bleibe hell, mein Licht, Bleibe hell, mein Licht, Sonst strahlt meine liebe Laterne nicht. |
How to make a lantern
If you would like to make your own traditional German lantern, here is an easy to follow tutorial on what to do (it's in German but the visuals are very clear)
If you would like to make your own traditional German lantern, here is an easy to follow tutorial on what to do (it's in German but the visuals are very clear)
You can buy the individual pieces you need to make a lantern from Idee Creativmarkt both online and in store and a number of other crafting stores in Berlin. It's not expensive and fun to do for the kids.
Where to buy a lantern
If you don't have the time to make your own lantern, don't fear, there are lots of places to buy pre-made ones in different shapes in sizes. A number of shops stock them this time of year such as Toys R Us, Karstadt, McPaper, Idee Creativmarkt and crafting stores.
Where to buy a lantern
If you don't have the time to make your own lantern, don't fear, there are lots of places to buy pre-made ones in different shapes in sizes. A number of shops stock them this time of year such as Toys R Us, Karstadt, McPaper, Idee Creativmarkt and crafting stores.
I hope this helps and enjoy your own Lantern parade if you are going on one! Follow BFATF on Facebook to keep up to date with new posts and tips.
