Mardipäev

Mardipäev is a traditional Estonian folk holiday celebrated on November 10th. It marks the end of autumn and the approaching winter. The holiday is closely associated with Saint Martin's Day, which is observed in many other European countries on the same date.

Historically, Mardipäev was a time for agricultural work to cease and for preparations for winter to be completed. It was also a day for people to remember the dead and to pray for good fortune in the coming year. A significant custom of Mardipäev is the "mardi" or "mardisandid" procession. Groups of people, often young men, would dress up in disguises, typically with soot-smeared faces, old clothes, and straw hats. They would go from house to house, singing songs, telling jokes, and performing dances.

In exchange for their entertainment and well wishes, the mardisandid would receive gifts such as food, drinks, and money. It was believed that if the household refused to give them gifts or treated them poorly, misfortune would befall them in the coming year. The disguises were meant to represent spirits or ancestors, and the custom was a way to ward off evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest in the future. Modern celebrations often involve similar costume parades and gatherings, though the religious and superstitious elements have largely faded.