Martinmas

It is the eve of St. Martin’s Day, and both of our schools had celebrations tonight. All four kids had made lanterns and learned songs to mark the occasion. Vinnie paper mache’d a balloon for hers, the twins were Minions, and Thom was so proud of the big T he painted on his.

We could only go to one lantern walk tonight, and I chose the one organized by the twins’ school. It was closer, and it was raining. It was scheduled to be in the forest, but, due to the weather, they had it in Johanneskirche, a beautiful neighborhood church.

The children’s lanterns were illuminated with real fire. I have to admit that I was pretty nervous about so many small children carrying around a basket of fire on a pole, but I think everyone got home safely.

This was a beautiful event, and I can see how it binds a culture together. We got some smiles on the tram when people saw the kids holding their lanterns. I’m sure they were thinking back on their St. Martin memories.  
​

​

---