11/11/11

Today is a big day for a lot of folks in Germany and around the world.  First, at 11:11:11am on today 11/11/11 it is the start of Carnival, the big celebrations that occur before Catholic Lent.  Everyone knows about the parties in Rio de Janeiro, but Germany has a long tradition of parades and costumes as well.  Since the festive season lasts for many weeks, we hope to experience more of the fun that is had at this time.

It is also Martinstag.  The day honoring St. Martin, who gained sainthood from his charitable works.  The legend goes that he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a bitter snowstorm.  I was kinda hoping that we would run around recreating this good deed and shred our clothes but the temperature is just above freezing, so folks celebrate in a different way.  Young children make paper lanterns and parade down the street singing songs about the good saint.  Occasionally, the kids get excited and the lanterns blow out.  Occasionally, the kids get excited that the lanterns burst into a flaming ball.  Luckily, things were very civil we I was walking down the street and nobody was injured.  Folks around here also eat a dinner of goose and red cabbage in honor of the story that Martin was not eager to be recognized for his deeds so he hid in a goose pen from Church officials.  Suffice to say, they found him easily in the ensuing noisy confusion.

11/11/11 is also a special day for many people that follow numerology, Doomsday prophecies, the Mayan Calendar and secret Masonic rituals in the great Pyramids of Egypt.

And finally, today is Veterans Day in the United States, when we honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces.  Thank you for your service.

Whatever you are celebrating today, we hope you have a good day!