Michaelmas

Michaelmas, also called the Feast of the Archangels, is a Christian festival celebrated on 29 September in Western traditions and 8 November in Eastern Christianity. Marking the start of autumn, it is observed especially in Ireland and the United Kingdom with church services, traditional foods, and local customs.

• Traditionally celebrated on 29 September in Western Christianity
• Goose is the customary meal, said to bring prosperity
• Pilgrimages to holy wells are held in Ireland
• Blackberries are not picked after Michaelmas due to folklore
• Michaelmas daisies bloom at this time of year

What it is

Michaelmas is a Christian festival dedicated to the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, celebrated primarily on 29 September in Western Christian traditions. It marks one of the four quarter days in the English and Irish calendar, historically important for settling accounts and contracts. The festival is closely tied to the changing seasons, symbolising the arrival of autumn and the gathering of harvest. For many, Michaelmas is a time to reflect on themes of courage and protection, inspired by the Archangel Michael’s role in Christian tradition as a defender against evil.

Where it comes from

The name Michaelmas comes from 'Michael's Mass', following the pattern of other Christian festivals like Christmas and Candlemas. In the Middle Ages, it was a Holy Day of Obligation and marked the end of the agricultural year in England and Ireland. The day’s association with the autumn equinox made it a natural point for communities to settle debts, elect officials, and hold hiring fairs. Over time, Michaelmas became woven into local folklore and customs, with traditions such as feasting on goose and observing weather omens.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations of Michaelmas vary by region, but often include church services honouring the Archangels. In Ireland, people make pilgrimages to holy wells dedicated to St Michael, sometimes drinking the water as a blessing. Traditional foods play a central role: goose is commonly eaten, believed to bring prosperity for the coming year, and special breads or bannocks are baked in Scotland. In some places, processions with effigies of St Michael mark the end of the fishing season. Folklore warns against picking blackberries after Michaelmas, as they are said to be spoiled by the devil. The festival is also marked by fairs, markets, and the sharing of food with the poor.

Joining in

Visitors in Ireland or the United Kingdom can experience Michaelmas through local church services, autumn fairs, and special meals featuring goose or seasonal pies. In towns like Tramore, County Waterford, processions and community gatherings bring the festival to life. Expect a blend of religious observance and rural tradition, with opportunities to taste regional dishes and witness customs rooted in centuries of history. The atmosphere is reflective and communal, welcoming newcomers to join in the marking of autumn’s arrival.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Michaelmas, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Michaelmas on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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