Michaelmas is a day in the Christian calendar,
taking place on 29th September. It is
associated with the beginning of autumn and
the shortening of days. The Archangel Michael
is one of the principal angelic warriors,
seen as a protector against the dark of
night. During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas
was a great religious feast and many popular
traditions grew up around the day, which
coincided with the harvest in much of western
Europe. In England it was the custom to eat a
goose at Michaelmas, which was supposed to
protect against financial need for the next
year. Butterflies that are around in the
autumn are especially fond of Michaelmas
daisies.
Landranger Grid Reference SH795725