Exploring cultures and communities – the slow way

hidden europe 44

by hidden europe

Martinmas is a day for a fresh start, a chance to turn over a new leaf. A good day for an armistice. And a good day to kick off the Carnival season.

article summary —

We designated 11 November as the official publication date of this issue of hidden europe. It is a day widely celebrated across Europe as the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours. It is often known as Martinmas. In some countries, there are processions of children through the streets, often accompanied by the appearance of the figure of St Martin on a horse. It is a day for feasting. In many respects Martinmas rituals recall those of the Celtic festival of Samhain which marked the start of the darker period of the year — although there are also cultural echoes of Samhain in the traditions of All Hallows Eve.

In Britain and the USA, the 11th day of November has acquired a very particular meaning through its designation as Remembrance Day (in Britain) and Veterans Day (in the United States). The symbolisation of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is deeply embedded in Remembrance Day in Britain (and elsewhere in the Commonwealth where Remembrance Day is observed).

Yet the 11-11-11 symbolism predates the signing in November 1918 of the Armistice which signalled the end of the First World War.


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About the authors

hidden europe

and manage hidden europe, a Berlin-based editorial bureau that supplies text and images to media across Europe. Together they edit hidden europe magazine. Nicky and Susanne are dedicated slow travellers. They delight in discovering the exotic in the everyday.

This article was published in hidden europe 44.