German children carry lanterns and sing for sweets during this centuries-old autumn tradition
Bright lanterns and traditional songs fill the crisp autumn air in Northern Germany as children celebrate an ancient custom that predates modern trick-or-treating by centuries.
On the evening of St. Martin's Day, children parade through the streets carrying handcrafted paper lanterns to commemorate a 4th-century Roman soldier known for his piety. While the tradition honors Saint Martin of Tours, the 'Martinisingen' practice specifically involves door-to-door singing in exchange for sweets, fruit, or 'Pfeffernüsse' cookies.
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