Martinstag--the second time around

The neighborhood celebrated St. Martin's Day today with a nice little parade of lanterns, a brass band, a reenactment of the St. Martin story (the one El Greco based his famous painting on), a bonfire, and various holiday food and drink. I have a feeling this is one of those holidays whose observance takes preexisting traditions and melds them into the new belief. They had a ring set up in a field, four flaming stakes, and the guy playing the beggar set up in the middle. Then St. Martin rode in on his horse and shared his coat. All around were hundreds of flickering candles. Did the ancient Germans have a fire holiday? Because it sure looked like that to me. It was an interesting mix of wonder at nature (the fire), music (the brass choir), and the fact that even very small acts of kindness can do great things and be valued (Martin himself).



To quote Wolfgang Longardt:

Tragt in die Welt ein Licht.
Sagt allen: Fürchtet euch nicht!

Carry a light into the world.
Tell everyone: Do not be afraid!

Don't be afraid to write, to grow, and to be a light to some reader who needs to read what only you can share.