The first snow in Prague 2020 – Horydoly.cz

Sugar Mizzy December 3, 2020

Who is Saint Martin?

Saint Martin was born in 316 as Martin Tourský. His father was a Roman officer in the Roman province of Upper Pannonia, present-day Hungary, and his son followed his military work. One cold night, Martin saw a half-naked beggar on the street asking for alms. Martin had no money, so at least he ripped open his military cloak and gave half of it to a beggar.

The next night, Christ appeared to him, dressed in this half of his cloak. Under the influence of this revelation, Martin received baptism at Easter 339 and decided to dedicate his life to God. He served in the army for another fifteen years, until he reached the rank of officer and could leave the army. In 372 he was elected bishop of Tours, but he continued to live as a monk in a shack by the Loire River. Today, Marmoutier Abbey stands here. Saint Martin died in 397 at the blessed age of 81.

He is the patron saint of soldiers, horses, riders, geese and winemakers and is most often depicted on horseback with half a cloak and a beggar.

Happy Holidays, Illumination and Annual Markets

St. Martin’s Day was one of the most popular in the year in history. This day was associated not only with the arrival of the first snow, but also with enlightenment. The family ended their agreed service, received an annual salary and sought service for another year. Cattle and annual markets took place. In the wine-growing areas, this day was a celebration of new wine. This holiday includes a well-fattened goose. According to one legend, this is because the geese of St. Martin disturbed the sermons, and that is why they are now serving their sentences on the baking trays. The second says that Martin was so modest that, rather than being elected bishop, he hid in a chicken coop, but the geese betrayed him.

2020
December 3

Church of Cyril and Methodius on Karlin Square.

Park in Záběhlice, morning trip to kindergarten.