THE FEAST OF ST. MARTIN'S.

It might be the opening act of Karneval, and it starts with a German version of Beggars Night.

Children make paper lanterns, fasten them to sticks, and walk the neighborhoods singing songs.  Often, they are led by someone dressed in a St. Martin outfit, which looks very much like a Roman Soldier carrying a sword.  The procession ends at a bonfire with more singing and delicious food.  Some children will then go door to door collecting treats like candy or money as a reward for their singing and beautiful lanterns.

Just before Aschermittwoch there will be a different sort of bonfire and it might involve singing and beer.

Apparently, this St. Martin was a Roman soldier, baptised as a Christian, and later made Bishop of Tours.  He is the patron saint of Modesty and Altruism (which might be as good reason as any to open Karneval with a Teutonic Beggars Night) and has gone afield with Neville Marriner.  There are other traditions one might consider.

This has been a trying year, and we might work a few Karneval references into posts through the Festive Season.  We've already got to Model Railroad Season.  "The eleventh of November is Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth countries, Veterans Day in the States, and the beginning of Karneval in the Rhineland."

The Music Choice Christmas rotation has begun and within the past hour we heard from Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift covering "Santa Baby."  This year she got the ring, and she didn't mean on the phone!