Church services and lantern processions on St. Martin's Day in Thuringia
Martinmas horns, lanterns, church services: St. Martin's Day will be celebrated in several places in Thuringia on Friday. In Erfurt alone (4.30 pm), thousands of children are expected to light up their lanterns on the cathedral square for the big St. Martin's Day celebration organized by the Protestant and Catholic churches. Parades are planned in Weimar and Eisenach, in Eisenach the procession will be led by a horseman. A special feature in Eisenach is the so-called Heischegang. Children dressed up as "March men" go from house to house and ask for sweets with rhymes.
St. Martin's Day commemorates Martin, who is revered as a saint and who, according to legend, divided his coat as a Roman soldier and gave half to a beggar. He was consecrated Bishop of Tours in the fourth century. St. Martin's croissants, which are shared at the celebrations, are a reminder of his helpfulness. St. Martin's Day is significant for Protestant Christians because the later church reformer Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483.
The Lantern procession and church services are essential elements of St. Martin's Day customs in Thuringia. During the Heischegang in Eisenach, children dressed as "March men" follow a horseman, continuing the centuries-old tradition of this holiday.
Source: www.dpa.com
