Martin of Tours

Saint Martin of Tours (Latin: Martinus), (b. 316 or 317 – Candes, November 11, 397) was a bishop of Tours whose shrine became a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Around his name much legendary material accrued and he has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Roman Catholic saints. Some of the accounts of his travels may have been interpolated into his vita to give credence to early sites of his cult. His life was recorded by a contemprary, the hagiographer Sulpitius Severus.

Folklore

On November 11, St. Martin's day, children in Flanders, the southern parts of the Netherlands, the Catholic areas of Germany and Austria participate in paper lantern processions. Often, a man dressed as St. Martin rides on a horse in front of the procession. The children sing songs about St. Martin and about their lantern. The food tradionally eaten on the day is goose. According to legend, Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why he hid in a stable filled with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his location to the people who were looking for him.

Related Topics:
November 11 - Flanders - Netherlands - Germany - Austria - Paper lantern - Goose

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Also in the east part of the Belgian province of East-Flanders, children receive presents from St. Martin on November 11, instead of from Saint Nicholas on December 6, or Santa Claus on December 25.

Related Topics:
East-Flanders - November 11 - Saint Nicholas - December 6 - Santa Claus - December 25

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In recent years the lantern processions have become widespread even in Protestant areas of Germany and the Netherlands, despite the fact that most Protestant churches do not recognize Saints as a distinct class of believers from the laity.

Related Topics:
Protestant - Germany - Netherlands - Saints

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Many churches in Europe are named after Saint Martinus also known as Saint Martin of Tours.

Related Topics:
Europe - Martin of Tours

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Saint Martin of Tours is also the patron saint of Buenos Aires.

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