Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier in 4th century Gaul. It is told that while passing through the city gates at Amiens, he found a poor beggar shivering with cold. Martin shared his own cloak by tearing it in half and giving the poor man some warmth. St. Martin has since become the representative of brotherly kindness, sharing light and warmth with all those in need. November 11th, his day of burial, has long been remembered as Martinmas.

The story of St. Martin has inspired the tradition of a lantern walk, the sharing of lantern songs and warmth with friends. The younger students make lanterns in their classrooms and join their families in an evening lantern walk.