Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Saint Martin´s Day & Sweet Dough Men - Sankt Martin & Weckmänner


Today, on November 11th, Germans celebrate St. Martin's Day (“Martinstag”) also known as the "Feast of St. Martin of Tours". It is a special day that is particularly popular with children. 
Heute am 11. November feiert man in Deutschland Sankt Martin, auch bekannt als das "Fest des Sankt Martin von Tours". Für Kinder ist dies ein ganz besonderer Tag. 




St. Martin was born in 316 or 317 and started out as a Roman soldier, he was baptized as an adult, became a monk and was named Bishop of Tours on July 4th, 372. 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 one cold winter day, during a snowstorm, he was riding through the country when a shivering beggar came his way. Since he had neither food nor money, St. Martin cut his wollen cloak in half with his sword to share it with the freezing beggar. It is said that he thus saved the beggar from a certain death. 
Sankt Martin wurde 316 oder 317 geboren. Er wurde zunächst römischer Soldat, dann wurde er als Erwachsener getauft, wurde Mönch und am 4. Juli 372 dann Bischof von Tours. Es wird davon ausgegangen, dass er ein guter Mensch war, der ein ruhiges und einfaches Leben führte. Die berühmteste Legende seines Lebens ist, dass er an einem besonders kalten Wintertag, während eines Schneesturm über Land ritt, als er auf einen frierenden Bettler traf. Da er weder Essen noch Geld hatte bei sich hatte, teilte Sankt Martin seinen Umhang mit seinem Schwert und gab die eine Hälfte dem Bettler damit der nicht mehr frieren sollte. Es wird gesagt, dass er damit dem Bettler das Leben rettete.




Every year, St. Martin´s Day is celebrated to commemorate the day of his burial on  November 11th, 397.

In some parts of the Netherlands, in a small part of Belgium, and in some areas of Germany and Austria, children walk in St. Martin´s processions through the villages and cities. They carry colorful St. Martin´s  paper lanterns and sing St. Martin´s songs. Usually, the procession starts at a church and ends at a public square. The lantern processions are aften accompanied by an actor impersonating the Saint. He is on horseback dressed like a Roman soldier and wrapped in a red woolen cloak. When the procession reaches the town square, a St. Martin’s bonfire is lit and in some parts of Germany, such as the Rhineland (where we live) and the Ruhr area, Sweet Dough Men ("Weckmänner") are distributed to the children.
Jedes Jahr wird Sankt Martin gefeiert, um dem Tag seiner Beerdigung am 11. November 397 zu gedenken.

In einigen Teilen der Niederlande, in einem kleinen Teil Belgiens und in einigen Gebieten Deutschlands und Österreichs gehen Kinder in Martinszügen durch die Dörfer und Städte. Sie tragen bunte Martinslaternen und singen Martinslieder. In der Regel beginnt der Martinszug an einer Kirche und endet am Marktplatz. Die Martinszüge werden oft von einem Reiter begleitet, der als römischer Soldat verkleidet, Sankt Martin darstellt. Desweiteren begleiten meist auch einige Musikgruppen die Martinszüge. Am Ziel des Martinszugs wird ein Martinsfeuer entfacht und im Ruhrgebiet und im Rheinland (da wo wir leben) werden frisch gebackene Weckmänner an die Kinder verteilt.




The tradition of the mostly handcrafted paper lanterns goes back to former times, when people lit candles to honor their saints and when lanterns were put up everywhere in town when a bishop dropped by for a visit.
Die Tradition der Laternen geht zurück auf frühere Zeiten, als Menschen Kerzen anzündeten, um ihre Heiligen zu ehren und Laternen überall in der Stadt aufgestellt wurden wenn ein Bischof zu Besuch kam.




The custom of lighting a St. Martin´s bonfire after the lantern procession represents the beginning of festivities. In former times, most of the work on the fields had been completed and now it was time to celebrate, drink and eat. Traditionally, a fat goose and sweet bread treats were served.

Today, in the days and weeks leading up to the feast of St. Martin, children craft their own St. Martin´s lanterns in school or in kindergarten.

On the day of the celebrations, after participating in one of the numerous lantern procession´s, the children go door to door singing St. Martin´s songs in exchange for sweets or other small treats. Singing in exchange for candies is called "schnörzen" around here in the Rhineland.
Der Brauch des Martinfeuers am Ende des Martinszug symbolisiert den Beginn der Festlichkeiten. In früheren Zeiten war um diese Zeit die meiste Arbeit auf den Feldern war getan, und nun war es Zeit zu feiern, zu trinken und zu essen. Traditionell wurden eine fette Gans (Martinsgans) und süßes Brot serviert.

Heute, in den Tagen und Wochen vor dem Sankt Martinsfest, basteln die Kinder ihre eigenen Martinslaternen in der Schule oder im Kindergarten.

Am Tag der Feierlichkeiten gehen die Kinder nach dem Martinszug von Tür zu Tür und singen Martinslieder – sie werden mit Süßigkeiten oder anderen Kleinigkeiten belohnt. Hier im Rheinland nennen wir das "schnörzen". 




As mentioned above, to conclude the celebrations of St. Martin´s Day, the traditional treat that is given to the children after the St. Martin´s Day procession, are pastries called “Weckmänner”, baked goods in the shape of a man holding a clay pipe.

Every year, I also bake a few of these "Sweet Dough Man"(for a lack of a better translation) for family and friends.
Wie oben erwähnt, ist es nach dem Martinszug  mmer noch Tradition, dass alle Kinder, die mit dem Martinszug gegangen sind, einen Weckmann bekommen.Allerdings ist der Weckmann ursprünglich  ein Gebäck, das den Bischof Nikolaus von Myra darstellt.

Auch ich lasse es mir nicht nehmen und backe jedes Jahr zu Sankt Martin einige "Weckmänner" für Familie und Freunde.




To this day, the clay pipe that each sweet dough man carries, symbolizes an episcopal crozier, in memory of St. Martin the Bishop.
Die Tonpfeife, die die Weckmänner ziert symbolisiert einen umgedrehten Bischofsstab, in Erinnerung an St. Martin den Bischof.




The clay pipes that I always use were handcrafted in Germany and have become somewhat of a collector´s item.
Die Tonpfeifen, die ich immer benutze, werden in Deutschland handgefertigt und über die Jahre haben sich da schon einige angesammelt.




Today, on St. Martin´s Day,  we will be watching the St. Martin´s procession along our street, right in front of our house. We will decorate the front yard with lots of colorful lanterns. And after the procession, the children will carry their candle-lit lanterns from house to house in our neighbourhood singing St. Martin´s songs, receiving sweets and other little treats. We will be waiting for them with baskets full of sweets, apples and clementines.

 The festivities in memory of St. Martin bear some resemblance to Halloween that was celebrated in many parts of the world just eleven days ago. 
Heute geht ein Martinszug direkt in unsere Strasse. Wir werden den Vorgarten mit vielen bunten Laternen schmücken. Und nach dem Zug werden die Kinder in unserer Nachbarschaft mit ihren handgefertigten Martinslaternen von Haus zu Haus gehen,  Martinslieder singen, und dann Süßigkeiten oder andere Kleinigkeiten bekommen.Wir werden auf die Kinder mit Süßigkeiten, Äpfel und Clementinen warten

 Die Feierlichkeiten zu Ehren von St. Martin ähneln denen zu Halloween, das in vielen Teilen der Welt vor elf Tagen gefeiert wurde.






Sweet Dough Men
(makes six)

Ingredients for the Yeast Dough 
  • 500 grams strong flour
  • 42 grams of fresh yeast 
  • 80 grams fine (caster) sugar
  • 180 ml lukewarm milk
  • 60 grams unsalted butter 
  • 3 egg yolks (L), free-range or organic 
  • 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla sugar 
  • 1 tsp. grated lemon zest (organic)
  • one pinch fine sea salt
Weckmänner
(für sechs Stück)

Zutaten für den Hefeteig
  • 500 Gramm Mehl (Type “550”)
  • 42 Gramm frische Hefe
  • 80 Gramm feinster Zucker
  • 180 ml lauwarme Milch
  • 100 Gramm Butter, geschmolzen
  • 3 Eigelbe (L), Freiland oder Bio 
  • 1 ½ TL Bourbon Vanillezucker
  • 1 TL geriebene Zitronenschale (Bio)
  • eine Prise feines Meersalz

Ingredients for the Topping
  • 1 egg yolk (L), free-range or organic 
  • 2 tbsp.milk
  • a few raisins for the eyes, mouth and buttons
  • clay pipes * OR small lollipops 

Special Equipment needed
  • 2 baking sheets
  • baking parchment
  • soft brush
Zutaten für den Belag
  • 1 Eigelb (L), Freiland oder Bio
  • 2 TL Milch
  • ein paar Rosinen für Augen, Mund und Knöpfe
  • Tonpfeifen oder kleine Lutscher

Außerdem
  • 2 Backbleche
  • Backpapier
  • Backpinsel

Preparation of the Yeast Dough
  1. Put the flour in a bowl, make a well in the center of the flour.
  2. Then add the fresh yeast to the warm milk together with the sugar, stir to dissolve, pour the yeast mixture into the well, cover with some of the flour.
  3. Cover the bowl and leave the starter to rise for about 10 minutes.
  4. Then add the butter, egg yolks, pure vanilla sugar, lemon zest and salt to the flour mixture. Mix all the ingredients together and knead well.
  5. Cover again, leave the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead. Return the dough to the bowl.
  7. Cover the dough and let rise again until it has doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
  9. Knead the dough and divide into 6 pieces to form into gingerbread men shaped "Weckmänner".
  10. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment.
  11. Place the pastries onto the prepared baking sheets, cover and leave to rise again for 10 minutes.
  12. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with the 2 tbsp. milk.
  13. Brush the pastries with the egg wash and decorate with raisins for the eyes, mouths and buttons. Add clay pipes (if using).
  14. Bake the pastries for about 20 minutes until deep golden. Let cool on racks.*NOTE: unfortunately I am unable to locate a U.S. source for the clay pipes. Please let me know of a source if you know one.
Zubereitung des Hefeteigs
  1. Das Mehl in eine Schüssel geben, in die Mitte eine Vertiefung drücken.
  2. Die Hefe und den Zucker in der warmen Milch auflösen, in die Mulde gießen und mit Mehl vom Rand bestreuen.
  3. Zugedeckt an einem warmen Ort 10 Minuten gehen lassen.
  4. Butter, Eigelbe, Vanillezucker, Zitronenschale und Salz zum Mehl geben und alles zu einem glatten Teig verarbeiten.
  5. Zugedeckt an einem warmen Ort zirka 30 Minuten gehen lassen.
  6. Dann mit den Händen auf der leicht bemehlten Arbeitsfläche gut durchkneten. Den Teig wieder in die Schüssel geben.
  7. Zugedeckt weitere 40 Minuten gehen lassen, bis sich der Teig verdoppelt hat.
  8. Den Backofen auf 190 Grad Celsius vorheizen.
  9. Den Teig zusammenkneten, in 6 Portionen teilen und Weckmänner formen.
  10. Zwei Backbleche mit Backpapier auslegen.
  11. Die Weckmänner auf die vorbereiteten Backbleche legen und zugedeckt noch einmal 10 Minuten gehen lassen.
  12. In einer kleinen Schüssel das Eigelb mit den 2 EL Milch verquirlen.
  13. Die gegangenen Weckmänner damit bestreichen und mit den Rosinen Augen, Mund und Knöpfe eindrücken. Tonpfeifen auflegen.
  14. Die Weckmänner für zirka 20 Minuten backen.Vom Blech nehmen und auf einem Gitter abkühlen. 



Have a wonderful St. Martin´s Day today!
Viel Spaß beim Martinsfest heute!




23 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tradition, Andrea. I think this is actually better than Halloween, but I have a soft spot for processions and all the preparations that go into them.

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    1. Adriana, this tradition is one of those that is beloved by kids great and small - it is charming to look at all those candle-lit lanterns, the whole procession, all those kids and, at the end of the day, enjoy some nice treats! Thank you so much for your comment!

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  2. Wishing you a wonderful St. Martin's Day!

    Very interesting and informative post. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Emily, thank you kindly for your wonderful comment and your kind wishes!

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  3. Zauberhafte Weckmänner - St. Martin ist viel viel schöner als Halloween! Hoffentlich habt Ihr schöneres Wetter für den St. Martinszug als wir in der z.Zt. neblig verregneten Provence!

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    1. Meine liebe "Cuisine de Provence", ganz herzlichen Dank! Sankt Martin ist auf jeden Fall netter als Halloween, es geht eben nichts über ein paar schöne selbst gebastelte Laternen von den Kindern, ein paar frisch gebackene Weckmänner und Martinszüge - das Wetter ist auch ungewöhlich warm zur Zeit - gut für Laternen und fürs "schnörzen". Liebe Grüße in die Provence, Andrea

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  4. Dear Andrea, your beautiful Post has touched my heart deeply, the tradition of Saint Martin's Day, and your Sweet Dough Men with the treasured little pipes, beautiful. This Post also brought a wee bit of sadness and longing too. A long time back now, for many years I worked for the Catholic newspaper in Philadelphia. At the time it was the largest regional newspaper in the area, very large. At this newspaper I wrote many food and tradition articles as you share today. I can hardly think of anything I enjoyed more. Today, and perhaps it is technology, it seems more difficult to do those sorts of articles, from identifying people to interview in the area, to scheduling them in to meet with them, or cook with them, or discuss a recipe or tradition, and on. Funny how some things change, and to think I once could hardly keep up with the volume requests. It was so truly lovely to see this tradition continues in your community today.

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    1. Dear, what a kind and considerate comment - thank you very much, it means a lot to me to learn that you enjoyed this post - I am not always sure about putting together blog posts about all our traditions but I can never really resist - it is wonderful to prepare traditional foods and baked goods and pass on the stories behind all those to our children - it just feels right!
      Thank you, again, for all your support and friendship and "Happy Saint Martin´s Day!"
      Andrea

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  5. I've never heard of Saint Martin's Day before, so this was a great learning post for me! I hope you enjoyed your holiday. These little men with their clay pipes are terrific!

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    1. Dear Amy, glad you enjoyed my little "tour de force" about Saint Martin´s Day! Thank you for stopping by!

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  6. What a wonderful tradition, Andrea! I love the paper lanterns and am wowed by your collection of lovely detailed clay pipes! I think that one of the things I miss most about being in Europe are all the wonderful feasts and traditions that happen on saints' days. I never knew about St. Martin before, and am so glad to have the introduction! ~ David

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    1. Dear David, me and my "traditional posts" - well, you know, it is that time of year again, all those festivities revolving around Saints and special days...but I love them all and try to make something special for each and every occasion - a good way to pass on some of the traditions to our children.
      Lieben Dank für deinen netten Kommentar und herzliche Grüsse aus dem verregneten Bonn,
      Andrea

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  7. I always look forward to your posts about the different traditions in Germany. I think I have said it before it is a great thing that you continue with the traditions and pass them on to your children, hopefully in turn they will continue and pass them on to their children. Love love love the sweet dough men and of course the clay pipes :)

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    1. Karen, the sweet dough men are my favorite baked goods at this time of year - before I plunge into all that Christmas baking. Saint Martin´s Day is always like a little breather before the holidays and I enjoy it quite a bit - hopefully our kids will still celebrate those special days when they grow up. Thank you very much for the wonderful comment!

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  8. One of the lovely things about living in many parts of Europe are all the wonderful traditions that are kept up over the years. I can just imagine how much the children enjoy Saint Martin's day festivities. Love your little dough men with their clay pipes.

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    1. Karen, so true about those traditions - we love to follow a lot of them and try to pass all onto our children - so far, so good - hope they will carry these moments in their hearts in the years to come.

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  9. What a fun tradition Andrea and what a thorough explanation you've given! I love your little dough men, they'd be a fun surprise in the bread basket!

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    1. Chris, there is nothing more fun than celebrating a wonderful holiday with tons of tradition and wonderful foods. Thank you for stopping by!

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  10. I would love St martin's day. It sounds like a lot of fun. I love your little dough men. Thanks for sharing:)

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    1. Geraldine, I think you would indeed love asaint Martin´s Day - it is rather popular around these parts, especially with young ones, but it is often hard for adults to resist the charm of the festivities as well.

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  11. Hi Andrea,we got so inspired reading this beautiful post...Wish You A Happy St.Martin's Day....these sweet dough men with raisins looks too cute to be eaten...but we know our tiny tots will be finishing them off with a smile as soon as they are out of the oven,thanks :-)

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  12. Hi Andrea, love the rich history behind your wonderful post, so nice to hear that some traditions are still practiced. Love the little dough men!!

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  13. Hi Andrea! I enjoy learning about culture and history with food! Those paper lanterns are so adorable as well as the dough men!!! :D My kids will enjoy making these guys. :)

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