On the 11th day of the 11th month at exactly 11 minutes past 11 o'clock
a.m. St. Martin's day is celebrated. It is mostly favored by youth and
rural population. Martin, the bishop
of Tours, lived in the 4th century. The soldier in his past, he was
given this title due to his exemplary way of life.
Actually, this holiday originated from France, then spread to Germany,
Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. It is considered to be the most popular
of all the saints' days. St. Martin's day celebrates the end of the agrarian
year and the beginning of the harvesting. The second meaning of this day
is the end of the period of all souls, that started on November, 1st with
Halloween, or All Saints' Day. That is why St. Martin's day's activities
resemble those done on Halloween. People,
mostly children, walk down the streets with lanterns and torches, and
sing Martin's songs praising the
saint's generosity. Then kids come into the nearby houses and by singing
songs, dancing, or citing poems earn sweets, pies, or whatever the host
can give them.
The symbol of the St. Martin's day is the goose. There is a legend saying that
geese have betrayed him with their gabbling when he tried to hide in a
stall as he was to be appointed bishop. So, the birds are "sacrificed"
being butchered on this day. This is a good time for that, as they are
quite ready for harvesting. Moreover, the goose has proved to be multipurpose:
feathers are used for pillows and featherbeds, quills are used for writing,
the eggs are good for baking, the fat is needed for baking and can be
eaten on bread, the bird makes a great "Braten," and even the
wing can be used for dusting! Why not take chance and make use of such
a wonderful animal?
Besides, it is a great chance to have fun with your friends!
