Michaelmas is a Christian feast day celebrated on September 29th each year. It is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and all angels. The name Michaelmas comes from the term “Michael’s Mass,” referring to a mass held on the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. Here is an overview of the history, significance, traditions and Bible verses related to Michaelmas:
History and Origins of Michaelmas
The feast of Michaelmas originated in the 5th century AD. There are a few theories about the exact origins:
- One theory is that it originated with the dedication of a basilica near Rome on September 30th in the 5th century. This basilica was dedicated to Saint Michael on the outskirts of Rome by Pope Gelasius I.
- Another theory is that it started in Ireland in the 6th century when Irish monks began celebrating the feast of Saint Michael on September 29th. This celebration spread to England by the 8th century.
- The feast may have also originated from the practice in 7th century Rome of celebrating mass (missa) on Saint Michael’s Day. This developed into the name “Michaelmas” and spread throughout western Europe in the Middle Ages.
By the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was very important in England. It was one of the four quarter days of the year when rents and debts were due, along with Christmas, Lady Day (March 25), and Midsummer (June 24).
Significance and Traditions of Michaelmas
Michaelmas has traditionally been an important holy day in the Western Christian liturgical calendar. Here are some key facts about its religious significance:
- It honors Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the principal angelic warriors. He is recognized in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions for defeating Lucifer in the war in heaven and casting him down to earth (Revelation 12:7-9).
- It also honors the role of Michael as protector and guardian angel of the Church. He is considered a protector against the evil in the world.
- In Catholic tradition, Michaelmas has been a day to celebrate communion with the angels. Catholics pray for protection by angels and commemorate the work of angels on God’s behalf.
- Anglican and Lutheran churches also celebrate the feast day. It remembers the angels who God appoints as guardians of individuals and nations (Daniel 10:13, 20–21).
In medieval England, Michaelmas was a significant holy day and the religious festival also gave rise to many local customs and traditions. Some examples include:
- Rent and debt payments were due on Michaelmas in medieval England. It was one of the traditional quarter days for settling accounts.
- It marked the ending of the harvest season and the beginning of shorter winter days. Michaelmas was traditionally associated with the first frost of the season.
- Goose was traditionally eaten for Michaelmas, which is why it was sometimes called Goose Day. A famous Michaelmas fair was held on this day in Nottingham, England.
- In Ireland, horse races and mountain climbing races were held on or around Michaelmas Day.
- In Scotland, Michaelmas was traditionally a time for winter preparations, including preparing winter feed for livestock and slaughtering and salting meat.
While Michaelmas is not as widely celebrated today, it remains an important feast day in some Christian traditions honoring the holy angels.
Michaelmas Traditions
There are a few traditions and symbols especially associated with Michaelmas celebrations:
- Eating goose – In England, goose was traditionally served for Michaelmas, which led to it being called Goose Day. This may have come from the association of Michaelmas with the end of the harvest season when geese were ready to eat.
- St. Michael’s bannocks – These are scone-like cakes made for Michaelmas. They may be connected to fertility and the fall grain harvest, dying grasses, and changing seasons.
- Michaelmas daisy – This golden-yellow flower blooms around Michaelmas. It symbolizes the autumn equinox and transition from summer to fall.
- Rent and debt payments – In the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was one of the traditional quarter days when rents, taxes, and debts were due to be paid in England.
- Hiring servants – The hiring fairs around Michaelmas were traditional times for hiring servants or labor for the coming year.
- Frost fairs – In England, Michaelmas was associated with the first light frosts of autumn and seen as the start of winter.
These are just a few examples of old customs and traditions associated with Michaelmas and Saint Michael the Archangel. Many are not as widely practiced today but were significant parts of celebrating Michaelmas in medieval England and Europe.
Bible Verses about Michael the Archangel
Here are some of the key Bible verses that mention Michael the Archangel:
- Daniel 10:13 – “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”
- Daniel 10:21 – “But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.”
- Daniel 12:1 – “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”
- Jude 1:9 – “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
- Revelation 12:7-9 – “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
These passages describe Michael as a powerful archangel who serves as a protector and warrior for God’s people. He is called a “great prince” who watches over God’s children (Daniel 12:1). He is described contending with Satan over Moses’ body (Jude 1:9) and leading the battle against Satan, casting him down from heaven (Revelation 12:7-9).
Michael is referred to as “one of the chief princes” and “Michael your prince” showing his authority and responsibility from God to watch over specific peoples (Daniel 10:13, 21). Overall, the biblical depictions of Michael emphasize his strength, authority, and role as a protector appointed by God to help both heavenly and earthly realms.
Michaelmas Prayer
A common prayer for Michaelmas reads:
“Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His Catholic people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who hast made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer.
Thou knowest the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request: [mention your request].
Saint Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will, my petition will be granted.
Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen.”
This prayer honors Saint Michael and asks for his intercession and protection from evil. It expresses trust in his strength and care for God’s people. The Catholic tradition has encouraged this practice of seeking Saint Michael’s aid through prayer.
Michaelmas and Angelic Protection
As the feast day honoring Saint Michael the Archangel, Michaelmas has a strong focus on angelic protection and guidance. Some key themes include:
- Saint Michael is believed to be the guardian and protector of the Catholic Church. Catholics ask for his prayers and defense against evil.
- Saint Michael leads the good angels against the fallen angels or demons. He is believed to have cast Lucifer (Satan) out of heaven.
- The Church recognizes guardian angels assigned by God to protect individuals throughout life. Michaelmas reaffirms the role of these guardian angels.
- Catholics believe angels act as messengers from God and intermediaries between God and mankind.
- Pope Leo XIII introduced a prayer to Saint Michael to be said after mass to ask for protection from evil and Satan’s power.
- Many churches or cathedrals are named after Saint Michael to invoke his protection over their cities.
Michaelmas focuses on Saint Michael not just as an individual but as leader of the heavenly host of angelic warriors and guardians who work on God’s behalf. It celebrates the powerful angelic protection believed to be available to followers of Christ through faith.
Conclusion
In summary, Michaelmas is an important Christian feast day celebrating Saint Michael the Archangel. It originated in the 5th-6th centuries and became an important medieval holiday associated with harvests, frosts, and symbolic foods like goose. Michaelmas honors Saint Michael as a leader of the good angels against evil and protector appointed by God. The Bible describes Michael defending God’s people and casting the devil out of heaven. He continues to be honored through prayer and tradition as providing angelic guidance, care and protection to the Church. Michaelmas remains an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the biblical role of angels and seek God’s heavenly aid against spiritual forces of evil.