A beautiful German tradition celebrated in Chicago
We had a wonderful balmy evening for this year’s first annual Lantern Fest and Parade, organized by the new German School Chicago. Thanks to the many families that came in support of the newly opened school; it was great to hear voices from many different countries joining in song and the crafting of our candle lit luminaries. It always amazes me that no lantern ever catches on fire…
The tradition of St. Martin’s Day goes back centuries when legend tells the tale of a knight cutting his coat in half to save a beggar from freezing to death. In present day Germany, children celebrate and honor his deed with parading down the streets singing, holding lanterns and lightening up the dark November nights.
Like the tradition of the Schultüte, or KinderCone, St. Martin’s Day is one of these moments in children’s lives that they cherish and continue to celebrate once they have children of their own.
I am attaching the school’s website for your information.
