During a special ceremony at school - when German children set off for their first day of school (1st grade), their parents present them with a school cone filled with treats, and school supplies.

Children learn the story of Saint Martin - how he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save him from the cold.

With DIY lanterns and singing songs the children go on lantern parades.

Saint Martin's day is Nov 11.

Traditionally, children leave their clean shoes out on the eve of St. Nicholas to wake up to find them filled with a small present or sweets on Dec 6.

During Easter time people gather at Easter Fires (Osterfeuer) - usually big bonfires that are ignited all over in Germany. Because fire is a symbol of light, of renewal, it signifies the end of Winter, and the coming of spring.

On 11/11 at 11:11 am begins the carnival season, also known as the "Fifth Season" that finishes on Ash Wednesday in February of the following year with the main festivities happening around Rosenmontag (Rose Monday).

As a farewell gift to their school community graduating classes surprise everyone at their last day of school - with pranks and games.