Marten

In the early evening of November 10, when it was Willingen As darkness slowly falls, they appear everywhere in the village: the martyrs. The children dress up for St. Martin's Day and go from house to house in small groups, collecting sweets. You can spot some very imaginative costumes, some frightening, some charming.
Everyone had learned the Märtenlied by heart beforehand, and some still sing it today in Willinger Platt: "When Märten is, when Märten is, then slaughter my father a billy goat, then my mother dances, then my mother dances, then the red coat flies. I am a little king, don't give me too little, don't leave me standing there for too long, I still have to go one house further."

November 10th was traditionally an important day, as it marked the beginning of the 40-day Lent. Willingen On November 10th, the servants were re-enlisted, and the new employees received a rent thaler. In the evening, the children would go through the town and receive gifts in every house. Elements of different traditions were mixed together, and "Märten" goes back to the well-known St. Martin's Day. Everyone has heard of St. Martin, the Bishop of Tours, who cut his cloak in half with his sword and gave one half to a poor beggar, thus showing him mercy. On November 11th, 397, St. Martin was buried, and therefore November 11th is the commemoration of this popular saint. Various events, such as St. Martin's Day processions, commemorate him. St. Martin's Day is also celebrated in Protestant regions, but here it sometimes refers to Martin Luther. Luther was born on November 10th and baptized the following day, St. Martin's Day.