My previous post was on Michaelmas. This one will focus on Martinmas.
"Saint Martin's day, also known as Martinmas, is the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours and is celebrated on November 11 each year. This is the time when autumn wheat seeding was completed, and the annual slaughter of fattened cattle produced 'Martinmas beef.' Historically, hiring fairs were held where farm laborers would seek new posts."
"Saint Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier who was baptised as an adult and became a bishop in a French town. The most famous legend concerning him was that he had once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the latter from the cold. That night, he dreamt of Jesus, wearing the half-cloak and saying to the angels, 'Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is now baptised; he has clothed me.' Saint Martin died on November 8, 397."
"The goose became a symbol of St. Martin of Tours because of a legend that when trying to avoid being ordained bishop he had hidden in a goose pen, where he was betrayed by the cackling of the geese. St. Martin's feast day falls in November, when geese are ready for killing. St. Martin's Day was an important medieval autumn feast, and the custom of eating goose spread to Sweden from France. It was primarily observed by the craftsmen and noblemen of the towns. In the peasant community, not everyone could afford to eat goose, so many ate duck or hen instead."
"The feast coincides... with harvest-time, the time when newly produced wine is ready for drinking, and the end of winter preparations, including the butchering of animals. Because of this, St. Martin's Feast is much like the American Thanksgiving - a celebration of the earth's bounty."
"In some countries, Martinmas celebrations begin at the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of this eleventh day of the eleventh month (that is, at 11:11 am on November 11). In others, the festivities commence on St. Martin's Eve (that is, on November 10). Bonfires are built and children carry lanterns in the streets after dark, singing songs for which they are rewarded with candy."
"In the United States, St. Martin's Day celebrations are uncommon, and when they do happen, reflect the cultural heritage of a local community."
"Many German restaurants feature a traditional menu with goose and gluhwein (a mulled red wine). St. Paul, Minnesota celebrates with a traditional lantern procession around Rice Park [I've never heard of this]. The evening includes German treats and traditions that highlight the season of giving."
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