Saint Martin's Day // It is what it is

In Germany on November 11th, we celebrate "Saint Martin's Day": 

"St. Martin's Day, also known as the Feast of St. Martin, Martinstag or Martinmas, the Feast of St Martin of Tours or Martin le Miséricordieux, is a time for feasting celebrations.  

... November 11 is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, who started out as a Roman soldier. He was baptized as an adult and became a monk. It is understood that he was a kind man who led a quiet and simple life. The most famous legend of his life is that he once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of the cold. That night he dreamed that Jesus was wearing the half-cloak Martin had given away. Martin heard Jesus say to the angels: "Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptised; he has clothed me."  

The day is celebrated on the evening of November 11 in some parts of the Netherlands, in a small part of Belgium (mainly in the east of Flanders and around Ypres), and in most areas of Germany and Austria. Children go through the streets with paper lanterns and candles, and sing songs about Saint Martin. Sometimes, a man dressed as Saint Martin rides on a horse in front of the procession." read more

As you can see, this day and the paper lanterns and stuff are a tradition for a long, long, long time over here. And it was never an issue for anybody, as far as I know. When I was a kid, there were children from Pakistan and Turkey at my school, and they loved and enjoyed this holiday as much as the German kids did.

So, during the past days, the news are FULL of kindergartens, pre-schools, and communities, who want to change the name of "St. Martin's Day" to something "not-so-religious", like "Sun, Moon, and Stars Parade" or some ish like that. They point out that there are more and more immigrants in Germany with a Muslim background, or any other confession. 

I think this is the most stupid idea ever! It IS a christian tradition indeed, and everyone is welcome to join, christian or not! No one would ever bring up the idea to change "Christmas" into "Tree Fest" or whatever. Or call "Easter" "Bunny Day". Why are there people who want to change this tradition? I just don't get it. 

My sister just pointed out on Facebook, that there are kids from 11 different nations in my nephew's kindergarten. My nephew isn't even baptized, since his dad is Muslim, his mom is Christian, and they didn't want to push him into any direction until he can decide on his own. 

In his kindergarten it was never an issue! All the kids enjoy crafting their paper lanterns and learning all the songs (which aren't only songs with a christian background). 

So please, leave us this wonderful tradition named "Saint Martin's Day"! 

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