Halloween in Holland

(This information borrowed from The Blauvelt News written by Kristine Brower)

Slow news weeks. No posts because I've been lazy and haven't set aside the time to do the research I want to on the topics I want. But, did find this neat quick article about Halloween in Holland.

Saint Martin's Day, November 11th, is a celebration in Holland similar to 'trick-or-treat' as we know it. People in Holland go around receiving treats by ringing on doorbells and signing songs for which they are given sweets or tangerines for their efforts. They travel with lanterns singing songs similar to this.

Elf November is de dag,
Dat mijn lichtje,
Dat mijn lichtje.
Elf November is de dag,
Dat mijn lichtje branden mag.

(Thanks to Google Translate)
Eleventh of November is the day,
That my light,
That my light.
Eleventh of November is the day,
That my light may burn.

Why do the Dutch celebrate Sint Maarten (Saint Martin)?
One dark and stormy night, Martin was alone. He only had a cloak and one piece of bread. He was returning home when suddenly a poor homeless man appeared. Martin felt pity for the man so he gave him half of his bread, half of his cloak, and offered him hospitality in his home. Since then, Martin became known as Saint Martin and is known for his kindness to the stranger.

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