2008 Woodie Awards
"Laternenfest"
The German department celebrated St. Martin's Day with a Lantern Festival.
Erika Batey
Issue date: 11/19/04 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Following tradition, the German department on campus celebrated the annual St. Martin's Day "Laternenfest" (Lantern Festival) on Saturday, November 13. Children of ages 3 to 12 from the German school, a morning school held weekly on Saturdays on campus, attended the celebration. They carried self-made lanterns, proceeding from Knowles Chapel to the front of Hauck. As they made their way and sang traditional songs, they stopped off at various stations where they were greeted by the German students who told them different aspects of the history behind St. Martin's Day.
According to history and legend, St. Martin was a Roman mercenary who encountered a beggar one freezing night. He had nothing to offer him, so he cut his cloak in half to share with the beggar. His tale of compassion spread throughout the country, and later Martin was nominated Bishop of Tours.
The celebration commemorates St. Martin and marks the beginning of the winter season. The lanterns that the children carry through the street are meant to protect them from the darkness of winter. Following the procession, money was donated by participants to Habitat for Humanity. They were then treated to a German food banquet, complete with Bratwurst, dumplings, cabbage, salad, and dessert.
The annual festival- organized by Professor Nancy Decker of the German department, members of the German school, and students-was once again a success.
According to history and legend, St. Martin was a Roman mercenary who encountered a beggar one freezing night. He had nothing to offer him, so he cut his cloak in half to share with the beggar. His tale of compassion spread throughout the country, and later Martin was nominated Bishop of Tours.
The celebration commemorates St. Martin and marks the beginning of the winter season. The lanterns that the children carry through the street are meant to protect them from the darkness of winter. Following the procession, money was donated by participants to Habitat for Humanity. They were then treated to a German food banquet, complete with Bratwurst, dumplings, cabbage, salad, and dessert.
The annual festival- organized by Professor Nancy Decker of the German department, members of the German school, and students-was once again a success.