Three things that never come to any good:
Christmas pigs, Michaelmas fowls, and parsons’ daughters.
Traditional English proverb
I love history and although my family doesn’t celebrate Michaelmas Day, I have enjoyed learning about its traditions. Michaelmas Day is the feast day of St. Michael and All Angels in the Christian calendar. Archangel Michael is widely regarded as the “chief of angels” and the patron saint of the sea, ships and horses.
In medieval times, Michaelmas Day was a “quarter-day”, one of four days in the year to pay rents and settle old debts. In England and northern Ireland, it was thought that if you ate a goose on Michaelmas Day you’d have good luck for the next year. Enjoying a goose on September 29th is still a tradition today for many families in the United Kingdom.
In some circles, archangel Michael is considered to be the angel of protection.
More about Michaelmas Day and the archangel Michael:
- Some food history of the feast (The Old Foodie)>>
- Folklore and associations with the day (Wilson’s Almanac)>>
- Archangel Michael from the Catholic Encyclopedia>>
- Archangel Michael (Sarah’s Archangels)>>
Angels have been a favorite subject for artists and we’ve found many incredible pieces of art featuring archangel Michael.
Tags: history