Michaelmas etymology

Etymology:

• "Michaelmas" is derived from the Old English words "Michel" (great) and "masse" (Mass).

Meaning:

• The Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, celebrated on September 29th.
• The day of the autumn equinox (around September 23rd).
• Traditionally, the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of winter.

Origin:

• The feast day of Saint Michael has been celebrated in the Christian church since the 4th century.
• In the 6th century, Pope Gregory I established the feast on September 29th.
• In England, Michaelmas became an important holiday in the 10th century, when King Edgar declared it a "quarter day" (one of the four traditional rent payment dates).
• The association with the autumn equinox dates back to pre-Christian times, when people celebrated the harvest and the changing of the seasons.
• Michaelmas is traditionally associated with feasts, bonfires, and other festivities. In some parts of the world, it is also known as "Harvest Home" or "Goosemas."

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