'Deutsche Runde': St. Martin’s – Cloak-and-Dagger Kindness for Our Time?
About this Event
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!
Deutsche Runde is an informal gathering and exchange around a chosen topic of German language or culture. It is ideal for learners with some knowledge of German (B1 and higher). This event is held in German.
Participation is free of charge.
We look forward to seeing you!
More information: Goethe-Institut Glasgow event page
Picture Source: © Wikimedia Commons, Photo: Mario Dondero
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
