“Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne”

Lantern Time in Germany

Fall time is “laterne zeit” (lantern time) for German children. Usually the time for lanterns coincides with St. Martin’s Day on November 11th, but unofficially any time in fall is a good time to hold a “lantern parade”. After dark you may see small groups of children with their parents or teachers carrying lanterns on a stick. Many lanterns are self crafted in kindergarten or at home with the family. Some are bought, but they’re all cheerful and bring adult passers by as much joy as the children themselves.

What a serene sight to see when the nights are cool and the moon is shining bright; the lanterns glowing in the dark which bring a warm glow to onlookers and especially in the hearts of those who understand this tradition.

As the saying goes, St. Martin (born in 316) was riding on his horse when he passed a poor beggar. It was a cold fall night and the beggar was freezing so he took off his cape and gave it to the beggar to warm him. For this good deed he became famous and thus the yearly celebration honoring St. Martin on November 11th called St. Martin’s Day.

The lanterns are made of paper and have a burning candle inside. For safety reasons, some modern lanterns have a mini bulb run by batteries but most parents hang on to the old tradition of using a candle in spite of modern improvements. Sun and Moon are popular designs. Many kindergartens start early on crafting their lanterns so that each child will have his or her own lantern to carry in the big procession on St. Martin’s Day. Although children may be seen any time in fall carrying their lanterns; the highlight for this fall time activity is officially St. Martin’s Day.

In some villages the children stop in front of certain houses singing their St. Martin’s Day songs begging for treats (similar to our Halloween customs). If the people in the house are friendly they will give the children fruits, sweets or even money. This is in the spirit of “giving to the needy” as set forth by the good Saint, Saint Martin.

By: Vicki Lewis-Thumm

Laterne, Laterne       Sonne, Mond und Sterne Brenne auf mein Licht Brenne auf mein Licht Aber nur meine liebe Laterne nicht!

A self-crafted lantern

Lanterns with clown design

Popular sun and moon designs

A nostalgic lantern drawing

Lantern with St. Martin illustration