In an effort to help Muslim migrants in Germany feel welcome, several schools and daycare center in Düsseldorf have have renamed the Christian festival of Saint Martin's the secular "festival of lights".



According to a report from Breitbart News, St. Martin's Day, also known as the Feast of St. Martin, is a traditional autumn event in the Christian calendar, held on the 11th of November after the harvest.



St. Martin, also known as Martin of Tours, is one of today's most recognizable saints. A Roman soldier for many years, Martin eventually became a monk after an encounter with a freezing beggar at the gate of Amenes. After giving the beggar his coat, Martin had a vision of Christ, which impelled him finally to receive baptism and to leave the army for the life of a monk.



For hundreds of years, communities have celebrated Martin's life, gathering around a bonfire on St. Martin's eve, called "Martinsfeuer," before participating in a lantern procession through the local conurbation.



That's all about to change, as this year, many Germans decided to cancel the annual event to give "consideration for the refugees."



"We have deliberately chosen [the new name] because we want the meaning of integration and unity to reach as many children as possible, and because more people will participate in our procession," the head of the German Red Cross in Gerresheim explained.

