Michaelmas Day is one of those traditional feast days that may not be widely known today, but once held a prominent place in the religious, social, and agricultural calendar of many communities especially in the British Isles. Celebrated on September 29th, it honors Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the principal angelic figures in Christian tradition. However, Michaelmas is not just a religious observance. It has long been associated with seasonal change, harvest customs, and even legal and academic schedules in England and Ireland. Its rich symbolism and layers of historical relevance continue to capture interest among historians, theologians, and those curious about old customs.
Who Is Saint Michael?
The Role of Archangel Michael
Saint Michael is one of the most recognized archangels in Christian theology. Often referred to as the leader of the heavenly armies, Michael is depicted in scripture as a warrior who battles evil, particularly Satan. He is a protector of the faithful and a symbol of strength and righteousness.
In the Book of Revelation (12: 7-9), Michael leads God’s angels in a fight against the forces of darkness. Because of this role, he is often seen as a heavenly champion and is invoked in times of spiritual conflict. For many centuries, Saint Michael has been honored in Christian liturgy, especially in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
The Significance of Michaelmas Day
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
While September 29 is widely recognized as Michaelmas Day, it is officially known in the liturgical calendar as the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These are the three archangels mentioned by name in the Bible. Over time, however, Michael became the central figure celebrated on this day due to his prominent role in Christian eschatology and spiritual warfare.
Symbolism of Light Over Darkness
Michaelmas falls near the autumnal equinox, a time when the balance between light and darkness begins to tip toward longer nights. In this way, the feast reflects a symbolic triumph of light over darkness. Saint Michael, as the conqueror of Satan, fits perfectly into this seasonal metaphor. The changing seasons, paired with a feast day honoring divine protection, offered reassurance to medieval Christians entering the darker half of the year.
Historical and Cultural Traditions
Quarter Days in the United Kingdom
Michaelmas was historically one of the four ‘quarter days’ in the legal and financial calendar of the United Kingdom. These quarter days Lady Day (March 25), Midsummer Day (June 24), Michaelmas (September 29), and Christmas (December 25) were days when rents were due, contracts began, and schools and universities started new terms.
Michaelmas, in particular, marked the beginning of the legal and academic year in England. Even today, some British universities refer to their autumn term as the Michaelmas term.
Harvest and Agricultural Associations
Michaelmas was also tied to the agricultural cycle. As a post-harvest festival, it was a time for communities to give thanks for the season’s bounty and prepare for winter. This connection is especially evident in traditional foods and customs associated with the day.
- Michaelmas Goose: Eating goose on Michaelmas was a popular tradition in England and Ireland. The belief was that consuming goose would bring prosperity in the coming year.
- Blackberries: A well-known folklore in Ireland and parts of Britain warns against picking blackberries after Michaelmas. Legend has it that the devil was cast out of heaven on this day and landed in a blackberry bush, cursing the fruit from that point on.
Michaelmas in the Church
Liturgical Observance
In many Christian denominations, Michaelmas is celebrated with church services that emphasize the role of angels and divine protection. The liturgy often includes readings from the Book of Revelation and prayers that call upon Saint Michael’s strength and guidance. Hymns such as Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones are commonly sung during services marking this day.
Modern Christian Celebrations
While not as prominent today, Michaelmas is still observed in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. Some churches hold special feast-day services, and the theological themes of protection, judgment, and spiritual warfare are emphasized. In particular, those working in dangerous professions or engaged in law enforcement may feel a personal connection to Michael, the archangel who defends against evil.
Academic and Legal Traditions
Michaelmas Term in Schools and Courts
One of the most enduring legacies of Michaelmas is in the academic and legal calendar of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Many prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, refer to their autumn term as ‘Michaelmas Term.’ This tradition dates back centuries and aligns with the timing of the harvest and the beginning of the new cycle of learning.
Similarly, courts in England traditionally begin their sessions during Michaelmas. The Michaelmas Law Term marks the start of legal proceedings after the summer break. This reflects the historical use of quarter days to structure civic life and formal institutions.
Folklore and Superstitions
Legends and Rural Beliefs
Michaelmas is surrounded by various folk tales and superstitions, many of which blend religious symbolism with natural observations. One of the most famous is the idea that blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas because the devil spoils them. This legend reflects the day’s symbolic association with good triumphing over evil and a warning against lingering in the past harvest season.
Protective Charms and Celebrations
In rural areas, it was believed that invoking Saint Michael on Michaelmas could protect livestock and homes from evil spirits during the long, dark winter. Some households would place sprigs of Michaelmas daisies (a late-blooming flower) on windowsills as a sign of protection and seasonal change.
Modern-Day Observance
Continued Relevance
Though Michaelmas is no longer as widely celebrated as it once was, it remains a part of the Christian calendar and academic traditions in parts of Europe. Interest in seasonal festivals and traditional feast days has grown among people interested in heritage, spirituality, and agrarian history. Michaelmas, with its deep ties to both religious meaning and the rhythm of the natural world, offers a window into the way people once marked time and honored the divine.
Michaelmas in Waldorf Education
Some modern educational movements, particularly Waldorf schools, have revived Michaelmas as a celebration of courage and inner strength. In these schools, children perform plays or engage in artistic and physical challenges to mark the day and embody the virtues that Saint Michael represents. This modern interpretation continues the theme of overcoming darkness and facing personal trials with bravery.
Michaelmas Day is a feast that combines spiritual meaning, agricultural heritage, academic tradition, and rich folklore. Though it may no longer be a major public holiday, its significance continues in subtle ways from school calendars to cultural traditions and religious observance. Whether one celebrates Saint Michael for his divine role or simply appreciates the changing seasons and harvest rituals, Michaelmas remains a fascinating part of the cultural and religious tapestry of the Western world.