Christmas - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 1984 - 80 Pfennig

The Deutsche Bundespost issues the Christmas stamp with a supplement in favor of the "Freie Wohlfahrtspflege", whose organizations help wherever government aid is insufficient. In many songs, the help given by a cavalry officer to a poor beggar has been remembered by the Christian people almost throughout Europe. Martin was born about 315 in the Roman garrison town of Savaria in Hungary, the son of an officer. The life of the veteran sons was generally predetermined: it was the officer's career. So Martin received after a long service his patent as an officer of the cavalry. The officer cadets received their training mostly in distant locations; Martin probably spent some time in Egypt. Here he was able to gain insight into the beginning of monasticism, especially to get acquainted with the Hermit. This way of life has remained his ideal until his death. In his service in Amiens in northern France falls the event that has been most recorded in songs and in artistic representations. It says in a contemporary biography: "Once, in the harsh winter, he met an almost naked beggar at the city gate. Everyone passed by. Then Martin realized that his arms were meant for him. But he only wore his soldier's coat. He drew his sword, resolutely, parted his cloak and gave half to the poor man. " At that time, the enlistment committed a recruit to twenty years' service; after that he could say goodbye, or he committed himself to the end of his life. Martin, who was about 40 years old at the time, decided on the first path. He asked the commanding general for his dismissal, because he wanted from now on to be a monk soldier of Christ. His request was fulfilled. He wanted to spend his life as a monk in solitude - there were no monasteries back then in the West. But after some time, around 371, he was elected bishop of Tours in the Frankish kingdom. The will of the people lifted the holy hermit to the episcopal see. He remained after his episcopal ordination, what he was before, a monk of mind and lifestyle. Near his episcopal city he founded the "great monastery" of Mormouth, where he also lived as a bishop with his disciples and friends. This episcopal convent became the great model for later similar central foundations, which then became key points of the Christian mission in central and eastern Europe. Through his tireless work in the conversion of the peasants Martin earned a high reputation. His whole field of mission soon echoed with the tales of his unusual activity; Reports of "miraculous healings" preceded him. After his death in 397, the saint's appeal might even increase. He became the first in the West to be worshiped as a saint without having died as a martyr for Christ. He is also the first Westerner after the martyrdom, who also found acceptance and recognition in the East. Martin then became the patron of the Franks. King Clovis proclaimed him patron saint of Frankish kings and all the people. For the Frankish kings the mantle of the saint was the most precious relic, so to speak the imperial jewel, which was also taken on campaigns, just his "Cappa". It was first kept in Tours, later in St. Denis near Paris, in a special sanctuary named after the coat "Capella". Countless pilgrims moved to his grave over the centuries. His name was adopted by many individuals as a baptismal name, many as a family name. The Martinsgans and the Martinsminne, the Martinsritt and the Martinsfeuer, the Martinsvögel and the Martinshorn testify today still of the influence, which this saint by its work and its celebration day on 11 November, turning day from the summer to winter, from the light to the darkness, has exercised on the mood and customs of the people. His feast day began with the Christmas fast, which lasted from 11th November to 5th January, 56 days long. Therefore, on the eve of the martial day right carnival mood prevailed. His memorial day ended the summer time and was therefore considered in the peasant middle ages as the wage day. Like no other, this day has had an effect on medieval customs. Today, the Martinsumzüge have taken on the character of children's gift. (Text: Prof. Dr. Bernhard Kötting, Münster)