Celebrated each year on September 29, the Feast of Michaelmas is a traditional Christian festival that honors the Archangel Michael, along with Gabriel and Raphael in some traditions. Marking the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn, Michaelmas has been observed for centuries across parts of Europe, especially in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Though its religious roots are strong, the feast has also evolved into a cultural and agricultural celebration. Understanding the meaning and customs of Michaelmas offers insight into how faith, harvest, folklore, and community intersect in seasonal observances.
Origins and Religious Significance
The Feast of Michaelmas, formally known as the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, is rooted in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates the role of Archangel Michael as the leader of the heavenly armies who defeated Lucifer in the war in heaven, a story found in the Book of Revelation. As one of the chief angelic warriors, Michael represents courage, protection, and righteousness.
In earlier centuries, the veneration of Michael spread widely across Western Europe, leading to the establishment of dedicated churches and chapels. By the 5th century, a basilica was built in Rome in his honor, and the feast day became an official celebration in the Church. The name ‘Michaelmas’ itself is a shortening of ‘Michael’s Mass,’ reflecting its similarity to other feast days like Christmas or Candlemas.
The Role of Archangel Michael
In Christian theology, Michael is regarded as:
- The protector of the Church and its faithful
- The leader of God’s heavenly armies
- The angel who weighs souls at the Last Judgment
Because of his association with justice and the triumph of good over evil, Michael is a patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and those in need of protection. His feast day serves as a reminder of spiritual strength and the presence of divine guardianship.
Michaelmas and the Changing Seasons
In addition to its religious dimension, Michaelmas historically marked a seasonal shift and carried agricultural significance. Falling close to the autumn equinox, it signaled the end of the harvest and the approach of winter. This made it a time of both thanksgiving and preparation.
For many farming communities in medieval England, Michaelmas was one of the ‘quarter days’ of the year along with Lady Day (March 25), Midsummer (June 24), and Christmas (December 25) on which rents were due, contracts were signed, and servants were hired or dismissed. These quarter days helped regulate the rural calendar and reinforced social rhythms tied to land and labor.
Michaelmas as a Harvest Festival
In regions where the feast aligned with the end of the grain harvest, communities often celebrated with meals and gatherings. Geese were traditionally eaten during Michaelmas, both as a sign of prosperity and as part of longstanding folklore. This gave rise to the phrase eating your Michaelmas goose, which was believed to bring financial protection for the coming year.
Traditional Customs and Celebrations
Michaelmas Goose and Festive Foods
The Michaelmas goose is the most iconic food associated with the feast. It was customary in many parts of Britain to roast a goose seasoned with herbs and served with root vegetables. The origins of this tradition may stem from thanks for a successful harvest or from older pagan customs later absorbed into Christian practice.
Other foods associated with Michaelmas include:
- Blackberries – it is said that after Michaelmas, blackberries should not be picked, as they were cursed by the devil after his fall
- Bannocks – in Scotland and Ireland, people made special oatcakes or scones for the feast
- Apples, nuts, and seasonal produce – as part of autumnal thanksgiving
Folklore and Superstitions
Michaelmas has inspired a variety of beliefs and sayings. One popular legend holds that when Lucifer fell from heaven, he landed in a blackberry bush and cursed the fruit. As a result, eating blackberries after Michaelmas was thought to bring bad luck. In some rural areas, this belief is still followed today.
Another tradition suggests that a well-fed Michaelmas goose would bring wealth in the coming year, much like eating herring on New Year’s Day in other cultures. The goose became symbolic of prosperity and abundance.
Michaelmas in Academic and Legal Calendars
The influence of Michaelmas extends beyond religion and agriculture into education and governance. In England, many universities and legal institutions have long used Michaelmas term to refer to the fall academic or legal session. This tradition continues today at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, where the autumn term is still called the Michaelmas Term.
Michaelmas Term in Education
- Marks the beginning of the academic year
- Typically runs from late September to mid-December
- Reflects the historical alignment of study and church feasts
This usage demonstrates how deeply embedded the feast is in British cultural heritage, influencing both secular and spiritual life.
Modern Observance and Revivals
Though the Feast of Michaelmas is no longer widely celebrated in modern secular culture, it remains important in certain Christian traditions, particularly in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Services often include prayers to Archangel Michael for protection and courage in facing challenges.
In recent years, there has been a modest revival of Michaelmas customs among those interested in seasonal festivals, local food, and folklore. Waldorf and Steiner schools, for example, celebrate Michaelmas as part of their educational rhythm, focusing on themes of bravery, overcoming fear, and preparing for inner strength during the dark months of the year.
Activities in Contemporary Celebrations
- Community meals featuring goose or local autumn fare
- Storytelling and plays about Saint Michael and the dragon
- Seasonal crafts using natural materials
- Processions and songs honoring the archangel
The Feast of Michaelmas is a unique blend of spiritual observance, seasonal awareness, and community tradition. Honoring the Archangel Michael, it calls to mind themes of courage, protection, and justice. At the same time, it marks a pivotal moment in the agricultural year, steeped in customs, food, and folklore. Though less prominent in modern times, Michaelmas continues to hold meaning for those who seek connection with the rhythms of the earth, the wisdom of old festivals, and the enduring strength symbolized by the archangel’s sword. In both its sacred and cultural aspects, Michaelmas remains a powerful reminder of the interplay between faith, nature, and human resilience.