Martini (festival)

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In ancient Latvia, Martini (Mārtiņi) was the name of a festival, celebrated on November 10, marking the end of the fall and the beginning of winter. The festival marks the passage from Usins to Martins, two horse deities. Usins (Ūsiņš) is invoked during the summer, while Martins (Mārtiņš) is a winter god. The festival marked the end of the preparations for winter, such as salting meat and fish, storing the harvest and making preserves. Martini also marked the beginning of masquerading and sledding, among other winter activities.