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'Michaelmas' (pronounced ; also the 'Feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael' or the 'Feast of Michael and All Angels'), is a day in the Christian calendar, taking place on 29 September. Because it falls near the equinox, it is associated with the beginning of autumn and the shortening of days.
The Archangel Michael is one of the principal angelic warriors, seen as a protector against the dark of night, and the administrator of cosmic intelligence. Michaelmas has also delineated time and seasons for secular purposes as well, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Contents

History

Autumn term in universities

Use by legal profession

Modern observances

External links

History

During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was celebrated as a holy day of obligation, but this tradition was abolished in the 18th century. It was also one of the English and Welsh and Irish quarter days when accounts had to be settled. On manors, it was the day when a reeve was elected from the peasants. Traditional meals for the day include goose (a "stubble-goose", i.e. one prepared around harvest time) and a special cake called a ''St Michael's bannock''. On the Isle of Skye, Scotland, a procession was held.

Autumn term in universities

Main articles: Michaelmas term

Michaelmas is also used in the extended sense of "Autumn", used as the name of the first term of the academic year, which begins at this time, at various educational institutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland (typically those with lengthy history and traditions): Abingdon School, King's College London, Stonyhurst College, St Andrews, Cambridge, University of Wales, Lampeter, Durham, London School of Economics, Oxford, Lancaster, Trinity College, Dublin, Eton, Gresham's, Norwich School, Worksop College and Royal Holloway, University of London.

Use by legal profession

The Inns of Court of the English bar also have a Michaelmas term as one of their dining terms. It begins in September and ends towards the end of December only being practiced at the end of each trial.

Modern observances

Michaelmas is still celebrated in the Waldorf schools, who celebrate it as the 'festival of strong will' during the Autumnal Equinox (September 29).

External links

★ Michaelmas - Scottish Traditions

★ Alice's Medieval Feasts & Fasts: Michaelmas

★ Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Michael the Archangel

★ Readings for the Day from the Lectionary of the Episcopal Church: Michaelmas

★ Essay on Michaelmas and the Western esoteric tradition