The feast of Saint Michael [and all Angels], one of the seven archangels of Christian Scripture, is thought to have been celebrated as early as the sixth century, having been derived from the old pagan Autumn Equinox feasts. It was known, in English, as Michaelmas,
Throughout Britain, Michaelmas marked the end of the harvest. In addition to livestock fairs, farming communities held hiring fairs where labourers could seek new employment for the winter, after harvest was over. Michaelmas was one of the Quarter Days, when rents and accounts were settled. Traditionally, a roast goose dinner was served on Michaelmas Day.
It is also our time to gather ourselves in, to reflect, review and rejoice at what we have achieved.
Autumn is a second Spring, when every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus
