In English, we call it Indian summer, in Italian estate di San Martino. They both refer to that unusually warm period we often experience in the month of November. Far from being a safe bet, the estate di San Martino is surrounded by many a legend, but the most curious one is probably related to its name.
Saint Martin is an important figure of Christianity, known for having abandoned the Roman army to become a miles Christi, a soldier of Christ. His hagiographies tell that he realized his true faith when he encountered, while leaving the city of Tours on his horse, a pauper without clothes, extremely cold. Without giving it a second thought, Martin took off his woolen cloak, cut it and gave the poor man a half.
