Goose bones that tell the future: Martin’s Day in Hungary – 11 November

Martin’s Day in Hungary usually means goose treats on the table and new wines. Not surprising, since 11 November is the last day before the Advent fast. Even those who are preparing to fast can eat to their satisfaction without a qualm. But what Hungarian customs and traditions are associated with this day? And what exactly do we celebrate on Martin’s Day?

Hungarian Martin’s Day traditions and the history of the day

Magyarorszagom.hu gathered everything you need to know about Martin’s Day in Hungary. Martin’s Day is full of folk traditions. It is worth learning why the traditional goose-roast and new wine could not be missing from any household table on 11 November (except maybe this year because the price of goose meat is extremely high).

Origins of Martin’s Day

Martin’s Day is associated with Saint Martin, who was born around 316 in Pannonia and died in 397. Saint Martin was the cradle of Hungarian Christianity, and the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, where he is believed to have been born, was built in his honour. There are many stories to tell about Saint Martin, stories of his youth and many miracles and healings during his life. But how are geese connected to him?

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Saint Martin and the geese

Martin was elected bishop of Tours in 371, but he protested against his election and found refuge in a goose pen, where he tried to hide from the election. However, legend has it that the geese betrayed him by gagging and he was eventually forced to accept the bishopric. Saint Martin did important missionary work, converting most of the surrounding pagan villages.

Saint Martin and new wine

The association of Saint Martin and new wine is already widespread in many Hungarian-speaking countries, as new wine is usually boiled on Martin’s Day. Because it was tasted on this day, the saying “Saint Martin is the judge of wine” was coined.

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Martin’s Day folk customs and traditions

In particular, there are many superstitions and folklore related to Martinmas, both pagan and Christian. One such tradition is the observation of the weather on Martin’s Day. Tradition has it that if it snowed on 11 November, you can expect a mild, slushy winter. It was said that “Martin came on a white horse!”

And if there was no frost on 11 November, people could expect a hard and freezing winter. They said “Martin came on a brown horse”. According to folklore, rain on Martin’s Day is not a good sign either. It is usually followed by a frost and then a drought. But if the weather is fine on Martin’s Day, the winter will be very cold.

Goose bones that tell the future

During the Martin’s Day feast, the breast bones of roast geese are also used in some folk traditions to predict the weather. If the goose’s bone is brown and short, it means it will be muddy and rainy, while if it is long and white, it means there will be plenty of snow.

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Funny and interesting superstitions

According to folklore, if you’re a little tipsy from wine on Martin’s Day, you’ll avoid headaches and stomach aches in the coming year and you’ll feel fine.

According to superstition, St Martin’s Day is also a day of evil, when women are forbidden to work, especially washing and drying clothes, which would cause pestilence among the cattle.

Those who dream on the night of 11 November are believed to be happy in the coming year.

On Martin’s Day, it is common to organise lantern and torchlight parades. Mostly in Dutch and German areas, but also in Hungary, where they light fires or walk along the main road with lanterns in the descending darkness.

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Source: magyarorszagom.hu