Martino he was born in those lands that today make up Hungary. The father, an officer in the Roman army, gave his son the name that recalls Mars, the god of war. He was one of the founders of monasticism in the West and was also bishop of the city of Tours. The recurrence of San Martino is celebrated on November 11th. The location in the heart of the autumn season has certainly favored the popularity linked to the peasant sphere.
San Martino, the 'legend of the cloak'
Being the son of a veteran, according to the principles established by an imperial edict, he enlisted in the Roman army. Part of his life was spent guaranteeing public order. But in a harsh winter his life changed. According to tradition, Martino met a beggar who suffered from the cold of that icy winter. Pitying, he cut his own mantle and with one part he covered the poor man. The following night she had in a dream Jesus dressed in his military cloak. The Lord said to his angels: “Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptized, he dressed me”.
Upon awakening the cloak was intact. what happened profoundly changed the soldier who received baptism and became a Christian. For this reason, in iconography it is often represented by portraying the gesture of cutting the cloak. In Italy he is patron of the infantry weapon of the army. Numerous centers have elevated him to the patron saint of their community.
The summer of San Martino and the proverbiality
A known proverb reads: "in San Martino every must is wine". This is how the figure of the Bishop of Tours gains popularity. When hot days occur in the fall, then in the tradition comes the summer of Saint Martin walk'. Over time, the period has often been associated with events of particular historical significance.
Due to the favorable climatic conditions, in those days the opportunity was also taken to renew agricultural contracts. According to local customs, it is the right time for the collection of chestnuts or, sometimes, for the sowing and cultivation of some vegetables. Not surprisingly, religious holidays often represent the reference points for farmers. And again, recalling the proverb, the first barrels are uncorked to savor the new wine. The figure of San Martino also echoes loudly in literature. A famous poem by Giosuè Carducci, entitled "San Martino", immortalized this usual autumn scene.
The fog on your hills ...
This is how the famous lyric of Carducci which is part of the 'New rhymes' collection.
The essence of those days is unmistakably clear in the poem: The fog on the hills / drizzling rises, / and under the mistral / screams and whitens the sea; / but through the streets of the village / from the ribollir de 'tini / the sour smell of wines goes / the soul to cheer. / Turns on lighted logs / the spit crackling: / the hunter is whistling / gazing at the door / among the reddish clouds / flocks of black birds, / as you exile thoughts, / in the vespero migrar. Even today, among the school desks, and in everyday life, those verses resound which, at times, have the flavor of nostalgia.
