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The month of November tends to be rather foggy, rainy and windy. However, a few events can light up the season and bring color to dreary days.
Allerheiligen
For Germans in the region November kicks off with a public holiday on the first of the month and a long weekend this year. All Saints’ Day is a religious celebration and public holiday in many parts of the nation. As its name suggests, the Catholic Church honors not only its well-known saints, but also the women and men who had secretly lived and defended their beliefs, and proclaimed the Christian message, but were not officially canonized.
During the course of the first decades after Christ, it became increasingly difficult to individually honor each saint with a celebration. As early as in the fourth century, an annual celebration was then held the first Sunday after Pentecost in honor of all of them.
At the end of the eighth century, the religious celebration was moved to Nov. 1 in Ireland, which coincides with the Celtic New Year and marks the beginning of winter. This tradition eventually spread to the European continent.
A modern tradition is to decorate graves of deceased with dried-flower bouquets, wreaths or flower bowls and cover existing plants with fir branches to protect against frost. So-called grave or eternal lights with candles are also placed on graves in memory of beloved family members.
All Saints’ Day is celebrated on Nov. 1 in the states of Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria as a public holiday with all stores and public offices being closed.
Other German states in the northern and eastern regions as well as Hessen celebrate “Reformationstag” (Reformation Day) in honor of Martin Luther, initiator of the Protestant Reformation, on Thursday, Oct. 31 instead.
St. Martin
Although not a public holiday, another exciting event takes place on the evening on or about Nov. 11.
St. Martin might ride through your town on a white horse and bring joy to children. Saint Martin of Tours in France figures prominently in the development of Christianity in fourth-century Europe. This gentle, humble servant, known best for helping those most in need, was chosen by the people of Tours as their spiritual leader, and is considered to be the patron saint of all children.
Tradition has it that children in the region build and decorate lanterns in his honor. They parade through towns singing “Laterne, laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne… (Lantern, lantern, sun, moon and stars…). Many villages organize cheerful parades and music with children carrying their colorful hand-made lanterns bringing light into the dark.
This may be an inspiration for creative activities at pre-school or elementary school in the KMC, as villages are thrilled to share the event with other children. Show off your handcraft skills, join in the fun and grab the opportunity to meet other neighborhood kids. There may be bonfires with food and drinks as well as pretzels for kids in your village. Check your local “Amtsblatt” for exact dates and event times in your individual community.
November Eleven
In Germany Nov. 11 marks the beginning of the Karneval or Fasching Season, also known as the “fifth season” of the year. Celebrations kick off at 11:11 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz celebrate the event with colorful parades and parties.
In the United States, Veterans Day is always celebrated on Nov. 11, regardless of the weekday. It is mainly intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to national security are appreciated, and to underscore that the fact that all those who served, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty. The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day in commemoration of the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
National Day of Mourning
On a solemn note, Sunday, Nov. 17 is observed as the National Day of Mourning in commemoration of members of the armed forces of all nations and civilians who died in armed conflicts. This includes fallen soldiers of both world wars, recent armed conflicts, and civilian victims of armed aggression. Every year U.S. Army and Air Force leadership representatives lay wreaths during ceremonies at cemeteries within the KMC along with their German counterparts.
Advent
This year the Advent season, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, starts on Sunday, Dec. 1. However, many Christmas markets in the area start in late November, such as in Kaiserslautern on Nov. 21. Colorful lights and decorations, sweets and treats at the markets are sure to make your mouth water and brighten up your evenings. Stay tuned for a full list of German and neighboring country markets in the Nov. 29 edition.
