Every
week, something fun is happening at the German Society of Pennsylvania.
Lectures, Panel Discussions,
Movies, German soccer broadcasts,
and music
fill our home on Spring
Garden Street in Philadelphia.
St.
Martin's Day
2010 Date TBA
German children celebrate St.
Martin's
Day for a few reasons -- as the start of the Carnival season, the
beginning of the harvest, and as the end of the period of all souls
that
began at Halloween. (This is the reason why the St. Martin's Day
activities resemble those of Halloween).
Children walk around the streets after dark, carrying
lanterns and singing special songs to praise the Saint
Martin's generosity. They are rewarded for their singing and
the beauty of their lanterns with sweets and other treats -- a bit like
trick or treating. (This day also marks the unofficial start of
the German Christmas shopping season).
As we did last year, the German Society will celebrate with its own St.
Martin's Day Parade as we march with children and their lanterns
throughout the Northern Liberties neighborhood (accompanied by a
police escort). Kids of all ages are welcome to attend!
We will meet in the Ratskeller, march around the neighborhood and
then return to the German Society's Ratskeller
for some toasty, tasty goodies of our own.
The Society has a variety of lanterns, imported from Germany, for
purchase at a nominal cost. Please call or email the Society for
details.
German Society of
Pennsylvania
611 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(P) 215-627-2332
(F) 215-627-5297
