The Mürakaru (rambunctious bears) cubs of Tormilinnu lipkond (storm bird troop), Rävala malev (Tallinn area) were getting ready for mardipäev, St. Martin's Day or Martinmas at the Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum or Open Air Museum (Pioneer Village) last weekend. This included learning riddles and songs, making masks and eating the appropriate fare including kuke/supp -- rooster soup with klimbid (dumplings). Photo: Riina Kindlam
If you are into saving money, resources and the environment and if you love downsizing, upcycling and do-it-yourself'ing, then mardipäev in Estonia is your perfect alternative to the spend-fest that Hallowe'en has largely become in the West. You only have to push the holiday ahead by a little over a week to November 10th, the eve before the actual day. The name Martin has itself been "downsized", with its Estonian version becoming Mart and Märt centuries ago.
They are not called trick-or-treaters, but mardi/sandid or Mart's beggars. They do ultimately trick or treat by visiting homes and asking to be let in by singing or chanting an archaic verse or two. Once inside, they perform for treats, but may also present riddles called mõistatused or challenge the host family to a dare or some sort of test of skill.
(Edasi loe EE 8. nov. paberlehest)
