“You are the light, and you have the power to overcome the darkness that exists in the world.”
— Bob Marley, Jamaican singer and songwriter (1945-1981)
Everyone loves a holiday, and if ever there was a time we could use more holidays and more celebrations perhaps it would be now. Fortunately, Nov. 11 was declared a holiday in Western Europe during the Middle Ages, known as Martinmas or the Mass of St. Martin. At that time the festival was a celebration of gathering in the fall wheat and the harvesting of livestock for winter. Martinmas would relate somewhat to our Thanksgiving celebration. Typically, families and communities gathered together to celebrate with feasting, dancing, bonfires and parades. It was a time to be grateful for God’s provision, the earth’s bounty, for family and friends and the good things of life.
There are two stories most often told about St. Martin. At the age of 15, Martin was conscripted into the French Calvary. It is said he came upon a beggar with meager clothing lying in the street during a snowstorm. Martin dismounted and tore his cloak in two and covered the beggar. That night Martin had a dream. He dreamed he saw the Christ wearing his cloak and heard him say, “When you did it for the least of these, you did it for me.”
As Martin’s faith grew, he asked to be dismissed from his military service and refused his pay. His desire was to pursue a monastic life. His request was considered cowardice. He was to be jailed until Martin committed to go into battle unarmed. Convinced of his sincerity, his superiors released him.
Traditions evolved for the festival of Martinmas including a parade of lanterns symbolizing bringing light into a darkened world. Children created homemade lanterns, going from house to house giving and receiving treats. It is said, in Estonia to receive a sweet potato or a turnip was quite the treasure, as vegetables were scarce in winter.
Also, Martinmas was a time of decluttering household possessions, a practice that has become popular in the last few years. Children went through their toys and clothing finding outgrown and unused items to donate to charities. Adults did the same with clothing and household items. The donations were cleaned, repaired and made serviceable for those in need. Perhaps one would even provide something new — a warm sweater, a scarf, gloves, a blanket. The celebration of Martinmas was intended to honor the memory of Saint Martin who thought of others more than he thought of himself.
In the last few weeks, I’ve busied myself decluttering again. With each season it seems good to go through one’s possessions and see what is needed and what is not; what has been used and what has not. I find this practice to be a joy, it’s quiet, almost meditative. It’s a recycling of sorts. What we can’t use can often be used by others and vice-versa.
And so, if you find yourself with a little time on your hands, perhaps consider celebrating your own Martinmas by carrying your lantern into a darkened world.
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