The History and Importance of Martinmas

The History and Importance of Martinmas A page depicting Martinmas traditions (slaughtering animals for winter) from the Queen Mary Psalter, c.1310-1320. British Library St. Martin’s Day, otherwise known as Martinmas, is celebrated liturgically on November 11. Throughout the Middle Ages and up to the early-modern period, this feast marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. A variety of culinary and devotional customs developed around Martinmas, though sadly many are forgotten today. While the general contours of St. Martin’s life may be known to many Catholics, the historic readings from Matins contain a succinct but deeper account: Martin was born at Sabaria in Pannonia. When he was ten years old he went to the Church, in the spite of his (heathen) father and mother, and by his own will was numbered among the Catechumens. At fifteen years of age he joined the army, and served as a soldier first under Constantius and then under Julian. Once at the gate of Amiens …