Sveti Martin u korčulanskoj tradicijskoj kulturi
Saint Martin in the Traditional Culture of Korčula

Summary/Abstract: Advent has been celebrated since the 4th century. Saint Perpetuus, the bishop of Tours in the 5th century, started the preparation for Christmas on the feast day of Saint Martin, on November 11th. In the 11th century pope Gregory the Great introduced celebration of Advent four Sundays before Christmas. The cult of Saint Martin is widespread in Croatia and in the traditional culture of Korčula it is evident in legends, preparation of lojenica cake, celebration, carol singing and caroling processions. Carol singing is one of the characteristics of Croatian traditional heritage and the area surrounding the island of Korčula is rich with carols. In some of the villages on Korčula caroling started as early as the All Saints day, however it usually started on the Saint Martin day. That fact should not come as a surprise because Korčula is well known for its vineyards and quality wines and Saint Martin is often called the wine saint. Carols dedicated to this saint are only known in the Korčula city and Smokvica area, but this feast day is celebrated on the whole island by enjoying the abundance of food and drink. The Saint Martin feast day is considered to be the end of the season of hard work and the beginning of the Advent period. This paper is focused on the customs and songs related to Saint Martin which are cherished on Korčula even nowadays.

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