Saint Martin's life

Martin was born in Sabaria, in Pannonia (present-day Szombathely, Hungary), around 316 AD. The son of a Roman army officer, he spent his childhood in Pavia, where he came into contact with the Christian community. At the age of ten, fascinated by the Christian faith, he asked to become a catechumen.

In 331 AD, an imperial edict required all sons of military veterans to enlist in the Roman army, and Martin did so as well. He served in Gaul, where the episode that would make him famous took place. According to tradition, on a cold autumn day, Martin was riding his horse, dressed in his military cloak, when he encountered a poor man shivering with cold. Moved by compassion, he drew his sword and cut his cloak in two, giving half to the beggar to protect him from the cold. Immediately afterwards, the rain stopped and the sun began to shine again, bringing unexpected warmth. That night, in a dream, Martin saw Jesus wrapped in the half of the cloak he had given to the poor man. Jesus smiled at him gratefully.

From a soldier to a bishop

According to tradition, in 335 AD, after seeing Jesus in a dream, Martin converted to Christianity. Throughout his life, he fought against political and religious oppression and injustice.

In 372 AD, he was elected Bishop of Tours (Gaul) by the unanimous consent of the people. He accepted the position while continuing to lead an ascetic life and bringing the strict discipline of monastic life to his new mission.

He died in Candes in 397 AD. His liturgical feast is celebrated on November 11, the day of his burial, and to this day, he remains a symbol of generosity, solidarity, and Christian charity.

Centuries-old traditions become proverbs

There are many proverbs and popular sayings associated with Saint Martin, found throughout Italy, from north to south.

Perhaps the most famous is the one linked to the weather phenomenon known as Saint Martin’s summer: “L’estate di San Martino dura tre giorni e un pochettino” (Saint Martin’s summer lasts three days and a little bit more).

There are, however, many other sayings associated with this celebration. One of them, “A San Martino il mosto diventa vino” (On Saint Martin’s Day, grape must turns into wine), refers to the tradition of opening the wine barrels and tasting the new wine, traditionally accompanied by roasted chestnuts.

Another proverb, deeply rooted in Venetian tradition, goes: “On Saint Martin’s Day, chestnuts and wine.”