November 11 is Saint Martin's day in the Netherlands. In the US, Nov. 11 is Veteran's day and in England it's Armistice Day, both really celebrating the end of World War I. But, in the Netherlands, they celebrate Saint Martin, the patron saint of children. I'm still not clear on why a country that has such a strong Protestant history celebrates a Catholic saint's day, but we'll let that pass.
Saint Martin's day is the equivalent of Halloween with the kids going door to door collecting candy. Instead of saying, "Trick or treat," they have to sing a song. After the song, they are given candy. They don't wear costumes, but they carry paper lanterns lit with tiny light bulbs.
In the days leading up to Nov. 11, there were advertisements on TV showing kids singing at a man's house and he tries to give them pickles because he forgot to buy candy. I didn't want to be like that guy, so I bought several bags of candy last Saturday. I was a little worried when the people at work said that not all the neighborhoods really do St. Martin's day. But I know that my neighborhood has tons of kids, and I figured they would not pass up the opportunity for candy!
On Tuesday afternoon, I actually left work on time and I gave Dennis directions to get home at a reasonable time to see the kids. At about 6:30, just as our dinner was coming out of the microwave, the first kids came by. The kids came by in rather large groups, probably because it's easier to sing in a group. It was cool to see the kids walking around with their colorful lanterns. By about 7:30, all the kids headed home, unlike in the US where the kids keep bugging you until 10:00.
The next big holiday is SinterKlaas Day. SinterKlaas is coming to town this weekend, so hopefully I'll have more fun information to share then.
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5 comments:
Does the neighbor from across the street come by for beer with Dennis on Saint Martin's Day, like Halloween in DG?
I don't know about the pickle idea but I know someone (TL) who wanted to give out apples for Halloween. Her husband said that is not a treat to everyone and would result in tricks being done to the house so the idea was vetoed (LOL!).
Todd
"The Neighbor Across the Street in DG"
Wow! I'm glad our kids don't have to sing for Halloween! UGH! And, I guess you don't have pictures because that would be creepy!
Susan
I love this post. I love hearing about the holidays and how they are celebrated. Can't wait for Sinterklass to come.
Around here the kids were done by 8:30 for Halloween. I gave out pencils and candy and heard an awful lot of comments like "awesome a pencil." My kids actually love getting play-doh and the toothbrush house is a big hit. Lee would be less than thrilled about having to sing with the kids.
Trish
The parents are like the ones in the States - they just watch from a safe distance (and don't sing). I think that's probably the best for everyone involved :-).
dvd
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