What is Saint Martin's Day and how Au Pairs can celebrate it in Germany?
Every year on November 11th, towns and villages across Germany light up with colorful paper lanterns, cheerful songs, and smiling children walking through the streets. It’s Martinstag, or St. Martin’s Day, one of the most heartwarming traditions in German culture, and one that Au Pairs will surely experience with their host families.
The Story Behind Martinstag
The day honors St. Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who later became a monk and bishop. The most famous story about him goes like this:
One cold winter night, St. Martin was riding his horse when he saw a poor beggar shivering in the snow. Without hesitation, he cut his warm cloak in half with his sword and shared it with the man. That night, Martin dreamed that Jesus appeared to him wearing the half of the cloak he had given away. This act of compassion and generosity became the symbol of his life, and the reason why Germans still celebrate his kindness today.
After his death, Martin became one of the most beloved saints in Europe, especially in Germany, where his message of sharing and helping others remains a moral lesson for both children and adults.
How Germans Celebrate Martinstag
Martinstag celebrations usually take place in the early evening, when it’s already dark enough for the lanterns to glow beautifully.
Here’s what you can expect:
– Lantern Parades (Laternenumzug): Children proudly carry homemade lanterns through the streets, often accompanied by a “St. Martin” figure on horseback.
– Singing Traditional Songs: Kids sing cheerful songs like “Ich geh mit meiner Laterne” or “Sankt Martin ritt durch Schnee und Wind.”
– Bonfire: The parade often ends with a big bonfire, symbolizing warmth and light in the darkness.
– Martinsbrezel & Weckmänner: Traditional pastries shaped like a man (often with a little pipe!) are shared, continuing the theme of generosity.
What Au Pairs Can Learn (and Share)
For Au Pairs, Martinstag is a wonderful opportunity to understand how German culture values community, kindness, and sharing, values that also make a strong host family relationship. Here’s what you can do as an Au Pair:
1. Join the Lantern Walk
Ask your host family if you can join the children’s parade. It’s fun, heartwarming, and a great way to connect with local families.
2. Help Make Lanterns Together
Spend an afternoon crafting lanterns with the kids. Use paper, glue, and colored tissue. Let them decorate with stars, hearts, or even their favorite cartoon characters.
3. Learn and Teach Songs
Practice singing “Laterne, Laterne” together. Even if you don’t speak much German, kids will love your effort!
4. Bake or Share a Treat
You could bake Weckmänner or cookies together and talk about why sharing food is part of the celebration.
Topics to Talk About with the Kids
Martinstag is not only about lights, it’s about values. Here are some conversation ideas to guide discussions with children:
• “Why do you think St. Martin shared his cloak?”
• “When was the last time you helped a friend?”
• “What can we do to make someone feel warm and happy?”
• “If you could share something today, what would it be?”
These small questions help children connect the story to their everyday life and remind them that kindness starts with simple actions.
For Au Pairs, Martinstag can become one of those magical cultural moments where you see how German families celebrate empathy, light, and togetherness. It’s not about religion or history alone; it’s about learning that every small act of kindness matters, whether it’s sharing a cloak, a song, or a smile.
So this November 11th, grab your lantern, walk beside your host kids, and enjoy being part of a centuries-old story that still warms hearts today.