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Saint Martin inspires Schwerin: children, lanterns and tradition!
On November 11th, Schwerin celebrated Saint Martin with a lantern parade and St. Martin's game, a sign of sharing and community.
Saint Martin inspires Schwerin: children, lanterns and tradition!
On November 11th, Christians celebrate St. Martin's Day, which is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. Martin, who lived from 316/317 to 397, was not only a Roman officer but also Bishop of Tours. He became known for the legendary sharing of the cloak that took place in Amiens in 334, when he shared his cloak with a cold beggar. In many communities, including Schwerin, numerous people remembered his deeds on St. Martin's Day.
In Schwerin, around 400 children and adults marched to the castle in a festive lantern parade on November 11th. The familiar sounds of St. Martin's songs were played by wind soloists. Before the parade, a short prayer service took place in the cathedral before the participants performed the traditional St. Martin's Game in the castle's courtyard. This beautiful ecumenical tradition always attracts large crowds and has the motto “Those who share, win”.
Celebrations around Saint Martin
After the game, delicious St. Martin's croissants, baked by a local baker, were distributed to the assembled guests. During the celebrations, a collection was also collected to support the St. Peter's Community board in Mueßer Holz. Despite the festive occasion, the audience noticed that the horse Martin normally rides was unable to attend due to a transport problem - a small downer in the midst of the celebrations.
Saint Martin is not only known for his actions, but also symbolizes peace, solidarity and attention to marginalized groups. He is considered the patron saint of beggars, outlaws and conscientious objectors. His mercy is reflected in the story of his cloak, which was also carried in battles as a good luck charm in the Middle Ages.
St. Martin's Day in tradition
In many regions, the tradition of St. Martin's Day is enriched by various rituals. St. Martin's Day bonfires take place or children go from door to door with their lanterns, singing songs. During the 19th century festivities in the Rhineland, customs became more structured, which gave the lantern parades and the associated celebrations even more meaning.
Although Martin died on November 8th, the funeral that led to the creation of St. Martin's Day will take place on November 11th. An important element of his legend is the anecdote about the chattering geese that gave Martin away when he wanted to hide - another exciting part of the tradition that is still told today.
The celebrations surrounding Saint Martin are not only a beautiful custom, but also a reminder of the values that he embodied. Whether in Schwerin or elsewhere, the traditional songs and sharing of life are the focus, and many people, young and old, are happy to be able to come together on these special days to celebrate joy and community.
For more information about the celebrations, read this article Northern Courier or delve deeper into the legend and traditions of Saint Martin Church and life.