I came home from work tonight to unpack lovingly filled and packaged parcels from my parents and my sisters.
Traditionally on 11 November children in Southern Germany walk in procession, usually behind St. Martin in his Roman soldier's uniform and riding a white horse. The children carry illuminated and often self-made lanterns while singing the traditional songs that celebrate the life of Martin of Tours (or just their lantern...) This is an old custom mainly in protestant areas of Franconia in Southern Germany. Legend has it that Martin of Tours once came upon a starving beggar in a snowstorm. With his sword Martin cut his cloak in two and gave one half to the beggar.
After the lantern procession the children would go home to either find little presents left for them by St Martin - or, and I have to add never in my experience, no presents but a telling off for bad behaviour.
No matter how old we are or which corners of the globe we might have moved to, our family still keeps up the tradition of sending little presents to each other. My mum sent home baked Lebkuchen and lots of other little supplies of German things I don't usually get here. My sister in Hamburg sent walnuts and heather honey and Juniper berries she collected herself (which remind me particularly of home, as Juniper is our street name). My other sister sent sweets from Iceland and a light garland from one of the darkest places this time of year! It's all these little touches that remind me of my childhood home and at the same time we share what makes us feel at home wherever we chose to settle.
Have a happy weekend everyone!
Liebe Familie! Vielen Dank fuer all die schoenen Gaben xx
thanks for sharing the story. you must have a wonderfully close family, even though you live miles apart. Family......there is nothing better:)
your photo and the processing you used is perfect.
@bb I was wondering about that Birgit. I had heard that it is also known in the Scandinavian countries, Holland, Belgium and France but I had never heard much from others about it.
your photo and the processing you used is perfect.
And this is a very yummy looking shot! Love it!