Martinmas

Martinmas from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

On November 11 comes the festival of Martinmas, a very old European winter celebration dating back to the Middle Ages, concerning Saint Martin of Tours. As the legend goes a young soldier named Martin was passing under an archway when he discovered a poor beggar huddled there. It was very cold and the man was nearly naked. Although Martin was not a rich man, upon seeing the poor beggar, he took off his own cape and ripped it in half in order to cover the beggar.
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The following night Martin had a dream in which he saw Christ wearing his cape. Christ said, "Martin, what you have done unto the least of your brothers you have done to me." Inspired by his vision, Martin abandoned his career in the French calvary, became a monk, and devoted the rest of his life to helping all of mankind reguardless of their station. Today he is considered the patron saint of beggars, drunkards, and outcasts.
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In many European countries, particularly Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Martinmas is celebrated with a festival of laterns, symbolizing the light of generosity that illuminates the darkness of lack. We celebrate it in our homes as well. Earlier, Mrs. Sharp has gathered together the good, serviceable clothing that the family has outgrown-each child is responsible for choosing something to pass on to another-and after it has been washed and cleaned and mended, we take the clothing to a nearby shelter.
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Each year Mrs. Sharp reinforces the tradition of giving on Martinmas by giving a special sweater or scarf to each child. The gift is symbolic: something that will keep him or her warm both physically and emotionally.
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In the afternoon the children put the finishing touches on the paper lantern they have been working on for the past few days. Victorians enjoyed decorating with paper lanterns, which were often strung outside in great numbers to illuminate evening entertainments.
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When the children's lanterns are complete, we ceremoniously light them and the children carry them once around the dining room. Afterward we enjoy a festive tea together.
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Now, you might say, Martinmas sounds lovely, Mrs. Sharp, but, really, this is one tradition that is very far from our daily life. Well, dear Reader, perhaps not. Isn't it likely that every year you will sort through your clothing and donate to a charitable organization? Isn't it likely you will either knit or purchase a new sweater for the children each year? Wouldn't an interesting and simple craft activity brighten a few November afternoon? And aren't you looking for a tangible way to instill generosity in your children? The answer to all of these questions is probably yes. All that Mrs. Sharp has done is pull all of these elements together around an annual tradition.
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Remember that you can start your own traditions with your family and you should, for that is how our legacy of love grows for ourselves and children.
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Martinmas may not be a festival you are familiar with today, but it's gentle caring customs can become all the more precious in time for the lesson it lovingly imparts.
Pg.212-213