Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, during an extremely cold autumn, on his way home, a knight named Martin encountered a beggar begging for alms.
Although he had nothing else to warm himself besides his cloak, Martin, with his sword, cut it in two and gave one part to the beggar for warmth. At that moment the cold and rain stopped and the sun began to shine.
This event became known as the Miracle of Saint Martin. Since then, around this time of year, the cold autumn weather ceases and warmer weather is experienced, just like the miracle. This phenomenon is called the “Saint Martin’s summer”.
On November 11, 397, Martin was buried in Tours, his hometown, and this date was chosen to celebrate St. Martin’s Day.
