Baring-Gould’s sources: Belgian Martyrologies. Originally on July 25th, now on May 1st. Authority An ancient life.] Evermar, a native of Friesland, born of noble parents, came in the days of Pepin of Herstal on pilgrimage through Belgium to visit the tomb of S. Servais at Maestricht, and those of other saints in that part. He and his fellow pilgrims were overtaken by darkness at the entrance of the great forest of Ruth, in the Hesbaye, and seeing a light, they made their way towards it, and found a cottage. They tapped at the door, and asked for shelter. A woman admitted them, and told them that her husband, Hako, was the chief of a gang of robbers, and that they were in danger there, but as he would be likely to be out that night, she gave them food and lodging, and sent them away early next morning, cautioning them to avoid the direction in which the robbers had gone. The chief on his return found that some persons had been given shelter in his house, May i/l S. Theodard.

…pursued them with several of his men, and overtook them about mid-day beside a fountain where they were reposing. He slew them all, and robbed them of their purses. The bodies were found by Pepin of Herstal, who was hunting in the wood, and he gave them decent burial. A village rose about the tomb of S. Evermar, which was called Rothem, and is now called Russon. The relics [the bodily remains of a saint, or objects they used, kept with honor] of S. Evermar were placed in a chapel on the scene of the murder, in 1073. It has been lately restored. The chapel stands in a meadow surrounded by beech trees. The high altar is furnished with a painting representing the martyrdom,. and the two side altars are adorned with images, one of S. Mary, the other of S. Evermar. A very singular procession and spectacle is enacted here on the 1st of May every year. The procession is headed by two “ greenmen,” to represent savages, clothed in leaves, and armed with clubs. They are followed by seven men dressed as pilgrims, and behind them ride Hako and his robbers in suitable costume. On reaching the chapel high mass is sung, after which the martyrdom is enacted in the meadow near the fountain. One of the pilgrims runs away, and Hako brings him down with a shot from his pistol. Finally all the pilgrims are killed, but they soon revive, and wind up the evening in the village tavern.