November 11 is the day, that my light may burn. What is Saint Martin?
Saint Martin: A Tradition of Light and Candy
On Nov. 11, children in large parts of the Netherlands celebrate Saint Martin, a feast that is a great tradition especially in the north of the country. This feast centers on St. Martin, a Christian figure who shared his wealth with the poor. The celebration has both a religious and a popular side and is a colorful combination of St. Martin songs, (often homemade) lanterns and candy.
History of Saint Martin
Saint Martin is an ancient tradition that has its origins in Christianity. Saint Martin of Tours (ca. 316-397) was a French bishop known for his good deeds, such as sharing his cloak with a poor man. The holiday is celebrated in many countries, but in the Netherlands it has particular significance in the north, such as Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe and North Holland.
In the past, Saint Martin was often considered a kind of second autumn festival, after harvest time. The emphasis then was not so much on candy or lanterns, but on celebrating the goodness of St. Martin and sharing with others. In some parts of the Netherlands, children went from farm to farm collecting a handful of fruit or other goodies.
Picking up candy and the Children's Songs
Nowadays, collecting candy from the doors is the most important aspect of the celebration. Children go from house to house in the evening, often in groups, carrying their lanterns. In exchange for their songs sung, they receive candy, fruit or sometimes a small gift. The songs they sing are often simple tunes singing the name of St. Martin and his good deeds.
The best-known songs include:
"Saint Martin, come on in, we have a piece of the sentence"
"Saint Martin, don't stand, come in with your lantern"
These songs make the trip past the doors a fun activity, and are a way for children to actively engage in the tradition. The joyful atmosphere of singing and collecting goodies makes the celebration a popular time for children.
The Festival of Lanterns
Another important element of St. Martin's Day is carrying lanterns. Children often make their own lanterns from paper, colored plastic bottles or other materials. They carry these lanterns as they march past houses. The lantern symbolizes light and warmth, recalling Saint Martin's luminous mantle that he gave to the poor man. Wearing a lantern also has a practical function: it makes the evening procession safer, especially since it is often already dark when the children take to the streets.
Why St. Martin especially in northern Netherlands?
Saint Martin is celebrated mainly in the northern part of the Netherlands, although the feast is also known in some other parts of the country. This is partly due to the geographical and cultural history of the Netherlands. In the North, especially in Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen, Protestantism was mainly represented but this Catholic feast suits Protestant values. In the South of the Netherlands, where people were much more Catholic, other celebrations were more important.
In addition, it is traditional to celebrate harvest time in late autumn, which contributed to the festive feel of St. Martin's Day. Over the years, however, the celebration has focused more on children and the collection of candy, making it less common in other parts of the Netherlands.
Saint Martin is a fun and colorful celebration that not only honors the history of Saint Martin, but is also an important opportunity for children to get together, sing, and enjoy goodies. With the lanterns, songs and candy collection, Nov. 11 becomes a bright spot in the dark fall months. It remains an especially beloved tradition in the northern part of the Netherlands, where the roots of the celebration are deeply embedded in the culture.
