We are a bit wiped out here today, as Annie was up several times last night with a stomach flu. I feel so bad for her when she is not well, and for us too as we changed sheets, blankets and pajamas several times. Annie was better today but of course we are all a little sleep deprived.
So I asked Markus for an idea of what to write about (sorry Andy, I haven’t had a chance to graph out the family tree here…that will take a while!) and he mentioned that it wasn’t random that Markus’ father made  delicious goose today for lunch.
November 11th (Tuesday) is St. Martin’s Day (St. Martini), which is the feast day of Martin of Tours and is traditionally celebrated by eating goose. Here is a cut of St. Martin’s life:
He was baptized as an adult and became a monk. It is understood that he was a kind man who led a quiet and simple life. The most famous legend of his life is that he once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of the cold. That night he dreamed that Jesus was wearing the half-cloak Martin had given away. Martin heard Jesus say to the angels: “Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptised; he has clothed me.
And another family event this week is linked to this day in that Annie is doing a lantern walk with her daycare tomorrow, which is another tradition of St. Martin. They made these very sweet paper apple lanterns and will be doing a procession at 4:00 in the afternoon. (Many pictures to be posted here, I’m sure.) Toddlers and open flames. Hmmmm, hopefully the event won’t be too eventful, if you know what I mean.
The day is more interesting historically, as in the Middle Ages Nov. 11th was the start of a 40 day fast before Christmas. Presents were exchanged and a hearty goose dinner enjoyed. From a practical perspective, Nov. 11th was also the day that contracts for the year were set including leases and interest rates.
Well, Markus and I are off to watch Quantum of Solace, as it is playing here for a few days in English with German subtitles. (This gives me hope for Twilight!) We are both big fans of Daniel Craig, though I imagine for different reasons. Ciao!
Hi Hillary,
I enjoyed the account of Anna Kate’s lantern walk and the delightful pictures. Also learned that on November 11, while we in Canada are wearing poppies and watching memorial services, you will be eating goose and thinking about Christmas count-down.
I also liked the chapel doorway figures at the castle; can;t remember the names of all those mythical beasts mangling sinners.
Keep up the interesting accounts: I love them.
Hugs,
Drew