St Martin rides again at lantern-lit King's College
Staff members at the University of Aberdeen have organised the parade as part of the European-wide celebrations for St Martin, a former Roman soldier turned monk who was renowned for his generosity. The most famous legend surrounding St Martin is that he once used his sword to cut his cloak in half so he could share it with a beggar during a snowstorm, saving the man's life th a scene that staff and students will re-enact tonight.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Staff members at the University of Aberdeen have organised the parade as part of the European-wide celebrations for St Martin, a former Roman soldier turned monk who was renowned for his generosity.
The most famous legend surrounding St Martin is that he once used his sword to cut his cloak in half so he could share it with a beggar during a snowstorm, saving the man's life – a scene that staff and students will re-enact tonight.
Around 30 children from the University's Rocking Horse nursery will carry lanterns around the quadrangle at King's College. They will follow a horse ridden by music lecturer Frauke Jurgensen, who takes the role of St Martin with student Katarina Geier playing the beggar.
The parade, which traditionally celebrates the end of the agrarian year and the beginning of harvest, originated in France but spread to Eastern Europe before becoming popular in Germany and the Netherlands.
The Chaplain to the University, Rev Easter Smart, who will lead a service of music of song in King's College Chapel after the parade, said: "Re-enacting St Martin's generous act is an appropriate way to lift our spirits at a time of Remembrance because his sword, which was once used in war, was used to serve the neediest.
"Aside from the symbolism, the parade is also wonderful fun for the children who attend nursery on campus, and who all made their own lanterns for the procession. There's a magical quality to the evening and it is an uplifting experience for everyone involved."
The parade will take place at 5.30pm at King's College quadrangle.
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