Michaelmas 2023: Date, History, Facts about Michaelmas

Michaelmas is annually observed on September 29. Michaelmas is observed in remembrance of the three archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. On Michaelmas, families spend the day performing good deeds, dancing, and singing, and conclude the day by feasting on freshly baked bread and roast goose stuffed with potatoes, vegetables, and herbs. It’s also a season for gathering blackberries with friends and family!

The background of Michaelmas

Michaelmas is also known as the Feast of the Archangels, Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, and Feast of Saint Michael and all angels. It was first observed in Europe and is observed by the Roman Catholic and Anglican denominations.

Michaelmas was first observed in the fifth century, when a basilica dedicated to Angel Michael was constructed on Via Salaria, a road a few miles outside of Rome. The celebrations began on September 29, the day before the event. Since then, the 29th of September has been set aside to venerate Archangel Michael and the other archangels.

Michaelmas served as a Holy Day of Obligation during the Middle Ages, but this practice was discontinued in the 18th century. The event also signified the conclusion of the harvest season. Michaelmas marked the end of a quarter for judicial, financial, and academic matters in Ireland and England.

With the greeting “May Michaelmas féinn be with you,” Irishmen make pilgrimages to holy wells associated with St. Michael and imbibe from them. They also give to the poor to honor the angels’ good actions. If you were born on this date during that time period, your name would have been Michael.

Blackberries must be harvested and consumed by the end of the day, as it is believed that on the day St. Michael expelled Satan from heaven, he landed in a blackberry bush, where he spat and cursed. Michaelmas is currently observed by attending Mass, feasting with loved ones, dressing up, and performing acts of kindness.

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5 OUTRAGEOUS FACTS ABOUT MICHAELMAS

St. Patrick resurrected the son of an Irish king after he suffocated on a goose bone, rendering goose an essential item for Michaelmas.

If you discover a ring in the Michaelmas pie, you will shortly be married in Ireland.

According to Irish folklore, a calm Michaelmas day indicates that there will be two winters that year.

The legend of the demon and blackberries became more elucidating after the date of Michaelmas was altered.

In Ulster, it was customary for tenants to present their proprietors with geese on Michaelmas.

MICHAELMAS DATES