Saint Martin's Day

I would be lying if I told you Jeremy and Elizabeth weren't disappointed that Halloween isn't such a big thing over here in Holland.  But, I am not lying when I say that Saint Martin's day more than made up for it!!!

For more information on the history of Saint Martin and why parts of The Netherlands celebrate this holiday, click here.  This year, this holiday was celebrated yesterday, November 11.  Saint Martin's day is like Halloween in the fact that the kids go around to various houses and get a TON of candy and treats (and an occasional tube of toothpaste!  No joke!), but it is unlike Halloween in the fact that there are no costumes, the children have to sing Dutch songs to get candy and they carry around with them a lampeon or lantern stick.  Many of the children make paper lanterns which are hung at the end of the lampeon.  All of them are different and so beautiful!:)

The children really do have to sing in order to get their treats!  Jeremy and Elizabeth have been practicing the following two songs in Dutch for last few weeks to get ready!  To listen to these Dutch songs for Saint Martin's Day, click here and here.

Both Jeremy and Elizabeth had groups of friends they were able to go around with last night.:)

Ready to head out for some Saint Martin Day Candy:)

Singing a Saint Martin Day sonf and getting some pretty nice treats!:)

Yes, you can even sing at the Oliebollen stand and get FREE Oliebollen!!!

The stores around the various town centers also pass out items to the kids when they sing.  It is so fun to see all the children (old and young) out at night with the beautiful lanterns.:)

Having fun with my friends!!:)

I think this Dutch tradition more than made up for the lack of Halloween here in Holland.  And a HUGE perk is that I didn't have to worry about getting costumes together this year!!!:)

Doei!:)