Mortensaften is the Danish evening of November 10th, commemorating Saint Martin of Tours. The tradition centers on sharing a meal, traditionally goose or duck, and it serves as a prelude to Mortensdag on November 11th, Saint Martin’s Day. The story behind the feast is that Martin, a bishop, once hid to avoid becoming bishop, was revealed by geese that sounded the alarm; in gratitude or as a cultural retelling, households were said to slaughter a goose that night to mark the occasion. In modern practice many families choose duck or chicken, but the association with Martin of Tours and the lantern-lit, communal spirit remains the core. If you’d like, I can tailor a quick guide for celebrating Mortensaften with activities, a simple dinner plan, and kid- friendly explanations of the legend.
