Maartensdag

For Canadians, November 11th is a day of remembrance. Words cannot express my profound gratitude to those men and women who have given so very much for our peace and freedom: Our fallen soldiers, our veterans, and those who currently serve. National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands is on May 4th, so we will hope to attend ceremonies in our temporary country at that time.

In the Netherlands, November 11th marks the feast of St. Martin. In the middle ages, a 40 day fast began the day after St. Martin's day, so there was much eating and drinking the day before the fast.

In the present day, Maartensdag is celebrated in parts of North Holland by young children who go door to door holding lanterns and singing songs about Sint-Maarten. At each door, only after their song has been completed, they are rewarded with treats of candy or oranges. Parents keep a watchful eye and ensure the children earn their treats with good performances.

I only learned about Maartensdag after the activities had started. Early this evening there seemed to be a bit of commotion on the street and more excited children than usual. However, I didn’t think too much about it until the doorbell rang and I went to investigate. There were young children all over the street, singing, carrying lanterns, and having great fun. After one of the parents explained the reason for the excitement, a mad dash to the grocery store on the corner to get some candy and oranges was needed.

The boys in this photo were singing loudly and clearly. As the end of the song neared and the candy bowl got closer, they picked up the tempo until it was so fast that they could barely articulate the words!