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St.
Martin's Day or "Martin Goose" |
Mårten
Gås
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St.
Martin's Day is celebrated on the 11th of November, especially in
southern Sweden. Originally in memory of St. Martin of
Tours, the festival has also come to be associated with Martin
Luther, who is celebrated the day before. For centuries this
date was important in farmers' almanacs and in accounting.
Traditionally, the day marks the end of the autumn's work and the
start of winter activities.
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Roast
goose is the traditional dish this day, even though most Swedes
have long since left the farm and St. Martin's has lost its
importance in accounting. Goose banquets are served in both
homes and restaurants. Such meals traditionally commence
with a bowl of svartsoppa ("blacksoup"), a mellow bisque
made of goose-blood and spices.
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Skåne,
Sweden's southernmost province, is especially noted for its St.
Martin's Day traditions.
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Source:
"Traditional Festivities in Sweden"; Author: Ingemar
Liman; Published by: The Swedish Institute, ISBN 91-520-0113-X
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