St. Martin’s – Cloak-and-Dagger Kindness for Our Time?

Join us for our Deutsche Runde, a friendly, guided session where we explore a different aspect of German language and culture each month.

The nights are fair drawing in, the leaves are falling and many children in German-speaking lands are looking forward to … yes, also Halloween these days, but often no less to another autumn tradition: St. Martin’s Day on November 11th. Are you familiar with this tradition?

It goes back to a legend featuring Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier, who, in AD 334, helped a scantily clad beggar by sharing his cloak with him, thereby saving him from freezing to death. There is no historical evidence of this tale in its entirety but maybe this is exactly why it has been embellished more and more over time.

Martin, the story goes, was a man of great virtue, who later resigned from military service and whom people wanted to make a bishop due to his kindness. Too humble to accept such an honour, however, he purportedly hid in the goose coop whilst people were looking for him at night with lanterns. But the honking geese gave his hiding place away and it was possible to consecrate him.

Elements of this story live on in traditions that are still celebrated every year around St. Martin’s Day. In many places, children take to the streets at dusk to sing songs and parade with their lanterns, often lovingly made by hand. Some processions are even spearheaded by a Saint Martin figure on horseback and some families have a tradition of eating roast goose on that holiday.

At November’s Deutsche Runde, we will approach this topic from a musical, creative and culinary angle and we will of course also reflect on what significance this legend might still have for us these days. Please join us for a session that is all about sharing – time together, tales and treats!

How to Take Part

Deutsche Runde is an informal gathering exploring a monthly topic related to German language or culture. It is led by Ilse Alim, a qualified German language facilitator. The session is suitable for learners with German at B1 level or higher and takes place once a month on a Thursday afternoon.

Participation is free of charge. You are welcome to register via Eventbrite, but this is not essential, you can also join on the day.