Martin's Day

Martin lived in the fourth century. He was born in Sabaria (today's Szombathely in Hungary), served as an officer in the Roman army and later became Bishop of Tours (France). After his death he became the patron saint of the Merovingian Franconian Empire.

According to the legend during his time as a Roman officer Martin met a beggar one day in a very cold winter. The beggar was dressed in much too thin clothing. So Martin split his coat into two halves and gave him one of them. It is said that in the following night Jesus came to Martin with the coat in His arms telling the angels sorrounding Him that it had been Martin who had given Him the coat.

Martin's Day is based on this legend. For this reason there are Martin parades each year mainly in the catholic areas of Germany (and other countries). A man dressed as Saint Martin riding on a horse comes first, followed by children holding self-made (or bought) lanterns and singing songs. "Martin" gives candy to the children. Small groups of children walk from house to house with their lanterns, sing songs to the people and get candy from them as well.

Here you get more information on Saint Martin:

Martin von Tours
(German)

Sint Maarten
(Dutch)

Many thanks to Corina
for the useful information!

Last update: January 18, 2009