Michaelmas, is the Christian festival for the Feast of Michael and All Angels. It always falls on or near pagan festivals. The history of Michaelmas in the UK goes back to pagan times. In England, it is one of the four “quarter days” which were the dates upon which servants were hired, rents became due and leases were begun, land was exchanged, magistrates were chosen, debts were paid, as well as still being the beginning of the legal and university term.

The four quarter days per year were, Lady Day (25th March), Midsummers Day, (24th June), Michaelmas (29th September) and Christmas (25th December)). As you can see they are on religious festivals, close to the solstices and equinoxes. Here is a really good article on Michaelmas by Ben Johnson which I found on historic-uk.com.

Further Information

St Michael is one of the principal angelic warriors, protector against the dark of the night and the Archangel who fought against Satan and his evil angels. Michaelmas is seen as the time that the darker nights and colder days begin, therefore, the celebration of Michaelmas is associated with encouraging protection during these dark months. It was believed that negative forces were stronger in darkness and so families would require stronger defences during the later months of the year.

As it falls near the equinox, the day is associated with the beginning of autumn and it is said that the Harvest must be in by Michaelmas Day because it is associated with the shortening of the days and the coming of the darker nights.