Saint Martin's Day (Martinmas) commemorates the burial of Martin of Tours on November 11, 397 AD. Born in Pannonia (modern Hungary) and serving as a Roman cavalry soldier in Gaul, Martin became immortalized by a legendary act of charity in Amiens: encountering a freezing beggar at the city gate during a harsh winter, Martin drew his sword, cut his military cloak (paludamentum) in half, and gave one half to the beggar. In medieval Europe, Martinmas coincided with the completion of the autumn harvest, the slaughter of cattle, and the tasting of the year's new wine. Today in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, children participate in glowing lantern walks (Laternenumzug), singing traditional songs like 'Ich geh mit meiner Laterne' and sharing sweet yeast bread (Weckmann / Stutenkerl).
Saint Martin's Day (Martinmas) commemorates the burial of Martin of Tours on November 11, 397 AD. Born in Pannonia (modern Hungary) and serving as a Roman cavalry soldier in Gaul, Martin became immortalized by a legendary act of charity in Amiens: encountering a freezing beggar at the city gate during a harsh winter, Martin drew his sword, cut his military cloak (paludamentum) in half, and gave one half to the beggar. In medieval Europe, Martinmas coincided with the completion of the autumn harvest, the slaughter of cattle, and the tasting of the year's new wine. Today in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, children participate in glowing lantern walks (Laternenumzug), singing traditional songs like 'Ich geh mit meiner Laterne' and sharing sweet yeast bread (Weckmann / Stutenkerl).
