St. Martin, the Goose, and the Spiders

...oh wait, yes they do!

For those of you who have read my post “Flying Arrows and Flying Spiders” I have found, in my class’ reading material, something that may interest you!
(and yes, Francis, is has to do with the spiders bit…)

The following is all summarized from a reading in my folklore class and can be found at bcmwilliams@irish-times.ie The story was originally printed 11-11-06 on pg 32 of the Irish Times

Martin was born in Italy in 316 and as a young man, although attracted to the new cult of Christianity, followed in his father’s footsteps as an officer in the Roman army...

Martin, now a military tribune, found himself riding through the streets of Amiens in northern Gaul on a cold, bleak morning in November. A beggar-man, scantily clad, came up to him asking for alms. Martin, overcome with pity, tore his cloak in half and gave half to the old man. God was so happy with this act He let the sunshine warmly on Martin until he could repair his dishabille. God is said to mark this event by sending a few days of fine, warm weather early each November—a period traditionally called “St. Martin’s summer”.

Later, God would appear to Martin wearing the cloak-half he had given the beggar. Martin left the Roman army and became a Christian--he devoted his life to prayer and Christianity. By the year 370, Martin’s name was mentioned for the episcopal vacancy at Tours. Alarmed by this daunting aspect, Martin hid in a barn but was given away by a rather noisy goose… The goose was later served to him for dinner by the new bishop--explaining why it is customary to eat goose on St. Martin’s day and why St. Martin’s summer is also called the “goose summer”.

Many species of spider, disperse their populations by allowing themselves to be carried on the wind—they shoot out strands of web that lift them away. When the spider comes to ground again it releases the thread, which is often seen drifting and shimmering in the Goose Summer sunlight. It seemed appropriate to call it “goose-summer” thread or “gossamer” as we know it now.
I can personally attest to the fact that this does, indeed, happen--you can read about it in my previous post  “Flying Arrows and Flying Spiders” from October 20th.

So when people describe angel’s wings as being “gossamer” is it because they are feathered like a goose or are they likening them to spider’s webs? Perhaps they are trying to say they emit a warm light? Where is the first reference to “gossamer wings” I wonder, and in what context?

If anyone is so inclined to research this, I would be quite interested in your findings!

Today (11/11/13) I my friend Dieuwke told me..."I was reading your blogpost on St. Martin. Did you know that back home we have a celebration called Sint Maarten, which is actually celebrated today?? Similar to Halloween here, without dressing up though. Children go to every house, sing a song and get candy. Always great fun" I want to go to the Netherlands now!