November the 11th
As well as being Armistice Day
Remembrance Day
Is also the feast day for Saint Martin of Tours
Martinmas
It is a day that is celebrated in lots of countries across Europe
Including Germany
Where I grew up
I lived in Germany from the age of 10
To the age of 24
I was had a wonderful childhood
With lots of friends
English and German
We lived in a few different places
The first of which was a village called Wulfen
When we lived here we used to take part in the Martinmas lantern parade
I think we made the lanterns at school
And then went to join the parade
We walked around a part of the village called Barkenberg
There was a lake
At the end of the parade I think there was a bonfire
And we were given little bread men with sultana eyes and a clay pipe
I used to have a little collection of clay pipes from the parades
This year I have taught my children about Martinmas
And it has been so lovely piecing together my memories from my childhood
I wish I could remember more than I do
Here are three beautiful books
Perfect for Martinmas
Perfect for fireside or lantern lit reading
And perfect for World Kindness Day
Tomorrow we are going to have a go at making lanterns
And will have our very own lantern parade in the garden
Esther has made her very own lightbringer
Made from clay dug up from the garden
I think it is rather beautiful
Do you celebrate Martinmas?
What traditions do you have for this time of year?
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