More importantly 25th March was a quarter day, the others being June 24
(Midsummer), Sept 29 (Michaelmas) and Dec 25 (Christmas). In Scotland
they are May 15 (Whitsun), Aug 1 (Lammas), Nov 11 (Martinmas) and Feb 2
(Candlemas)
They certainly go right back to the Middle Ages and were the dates upon
which rents were due or tenancies begun and ended. The new year
symbolism was Easter when the Easter Vestry was held to elect or appoint
village officials. England adopted the nearest quarter day to start the
year as it was fixed and not a moveable feast.
Regards
John
In message <008401c53a35$bee84d20$1ea4fc3e@lisa>, Lisa Spurrier
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Because it signifies the conception of Christ, which might be regarded as
>the beginning of the Incarnation.
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Roger Fern" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 11:12 PM
>Subject: Re: Happy New Year?
>> 25th March was called "Lady Day" -- meaning (I think) the Feast of
>> the Annunciation. Any idea why that should have been thought
>> suitable for starting the New Year? And does it go "right back" into
>> the Middle Ages? And is it just an English peculiarity? Or was it
>> New Year's Day all over Europe?
>
>
>
>--
>Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
>Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
>Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.7.0 - Release Date: 08/03/2005
--
John Chapman
|