Significance:
St. Martin's Day is a time for feasting celebrations. 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.
Type:
Christianity
Celebrations:
Joining bonfires; processions carrying lanterns; singing Martin songs; eating a St. Martin’s goose
Observed by:
Children
Location:
World
Synonyms:
Feast of St. Martin, Martinstag, Martinmas, Feast of St Martin of Tours, Martin le Miséricordieux
Initiator:
Church
Start year:
5th Century
Date origin:
November 11 is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, who started out as a Roman soldier.