Martinmas Explained: A Journey into Light and Generosity

Martinmas is a time to celebrate light, kindness, and the warmth we share with one another. The story of Saint Martin - celebrated each year on Martinmas (November 11th) - reminds us of the quiet power of compassion.

Though Martinmas originates from religious roots in the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, it is now cherished as a secular festival of light - especially within the Waldorf community. At its heart, the story is not one of religion or grandeur, but of simple human kindness: sharing what we have, recognising the quiet dignity in every soul, and carrying our inner light into the darkening months ahead.

The story of St Martin goes like this. Long ago, a young Roman soldier named Martin was riding through the snow when he met a poor man shivering by the roadside. Though Martin had little left to give, he took his own warm cloak, cut it in two, and wrapped half around the man. 

That night, Martin dreamt of the beggar surrounded by light - a symbol of the warmth that shines whenever we choose to care for one another.

On Martinmas, children often carry lanterns - a beautiful reminder that even the smallest light can brighten the world. You can find a tutorial to make your own lamp here.

The Ostheimer St. Martin figure makes a wonderful prop for sharing this story with children, helping them see and feel the spirit of generosity and light that St. Martin represents.

Though Martinmas is often celebrated within Waldorf communities, its message belongs to everyone. This festival is not bound by religion or tradition, but speaks to something universal - the yearning to nurture light, warmth, and kindness in a darkening world.

We all deserve to mark our days with moments of meaning and beauty, and Martinmas offers a gentle way to do so. It’s a celebration that welcomes every family, especially those with young children, inviting us to pause, to give, and to remind one another that even the smallest flame of generosity can brighten the path ahead.

With warmth

Mama Oak