Michaelmas
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Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel (also the Feast of SS Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael or the Feast of Michael and All Angels) is a day in the Christian calendar which occurs on 29 September. Because it falls near the equinox, it is associated in the northern hemisphere 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.
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[edit] History
During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation, but this tradition was abolished in the 18th century. Lutheran Christians consider it a principal feast of Christ, and the Lutheran Confessor, Philip Melanchthon wrote a hymn for the day that is still sung in Lutheran Churches: "Lord God to Thee We Give." 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 meal 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.
[edit] Differences in number of archangels
In Anglican and Episcopal tradition, there are three or four archangels in its calendar for 29 September feast for St. Michael and All Angels: namely Michael, Gabriel and Raphael,[1] and often, Uriel.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] The Bible itself identifies only Michael as "the archangel" (book of Jude, verse 9) and does not identify any other creatures as being archangels.
[edit] Autumn term in universities
It is 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, notably The University of Cambridge and Reading School).
[edit] Use by legal profession
The Inns of Court of the English Bar and the Honorable Society of King's Inns in Ireland also have a Michaelmas term as one of their dining terms. It begins in September and ends towards the end of December.
The term is also the name of the first of four terms into which the legal year is divided by the courts of England and Wales. The United States Supreme Court follows this tradition in effect but not in name; the Court's annual term begins on the first Monday in October[7][8] (which, except when Michaelmas falls on a Sunday, is also first Monday following Michaelmas).
[edit] Modern observances
Michaelmas is still celebrated in the Waldorf schools, which celebrate it as the "festival of strong will" during the autumnal equinox.
[edit] Old Michaelmas Day
Old Michaelmas Day falls on 11 October (10 October according to some sources). According to an old legend, blackberries should not be picked after this date. This is because, so folklore goes, Satan was banished from Heaven on this day, fell into a blackberry bush and cursed the brambles as he fell into them. In Yorkshire it is said that the devil had spit on them. According to Morrell (1977), this old legend is well-known in all parts of the United Kingdom, even as far north as the Orkney Islands.
[edit] Further reading
- Morrell, P. (1977). Festivals and Customs. London: Pan (Piccolo). ISBN 0330 0252151
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Michaelmas |
- Michaelmas - Scottish Traditions
- Alice's Medieval Feasts & Fasts: Michaelmas
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Michael the Archangel
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Gabriel the Archangel
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Raphael the Archangel
- History & Methods of Celebrating the Feast of the Archangels
- Images & Prayers Dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel
- Readings for the Day from the Lectionary of the Episcopal Church: Michaelmas
- Michael and All Angels
- About Old Michaelmas
[edit] Notes
- ^ Oremus.org website. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- ^ Saint Uriel Church website patron Saint web page. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- ^ Lesser Feasts and Fasts, p.
- ^ Anglican.org website Michaelmas page. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- ^ St. George's Lennoxville website, What Are Anglicans, Anyway? page. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- ^ Christ Church Eureka website, September Feasts page. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- ^ United States Supreme Court Rule 3
- ^ Title 28 U.S.C. § 2
