The spelling of the word "lady day" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "lady" is pronounced as /ˈleɪdi/, where the stress is on the first syllable and the diphthong "ay" sounds like the "ai" in "aim." The second syllable, "day," is pronounced as /deɪ/. The stress is also on the first syllable, and the diphthong "ay" is pronounced like "hey" but without the "h" sound. Therefore, "lady day" is pronounced as /ˈleɪdi deɪ/.
Lady Day refers to the Christian feast of the Annunciation, which commemorates the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Lady Day is observed on March 25th, which is exactly nine months before Christmas, when Jesus is believed to have been born. The term "Lady Day" is derived from the word "lady," an honorific term for the Virgin Mary, and "day," denoting the occasion of the feast.
In Western Christian tradition, Lady Day is particularly significant in Catholicism and Anglicanism. It is classified as one of the principal feasts in the liturgical calendar, marking the beginning of the liturgical year and often associated with the season of Lent. Devotions and special services are held in honor of the Annunciation, emphasizing Mary's role as the Mother of God and her obedience to God's will.
Furthermore, Lady Day holds historical and cultural significance beyond its religious connotations. In England, it once marked the beginning of the legal year, during which contracts, rents, and other legal matters were due. Additionally, the term "Lady Day" has been used to refer to the quarter-day (March 25th) on which certain financial obligations or payments were traditionally made, such as rent.
Overall, Lady Day encompasses both a religious celebration of the Annunciation and various historical and cultural associations related to the date.
The day of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary on 25th March; one of the festivals of the Church; one of the quarter-days.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Lady Day" originates from the Old English term "hlǣfdige dæg", which translates to "loaf-keeper's day". This term referred to a holiday celebrated on March 25th, which marked the Feast of the Annunciation in the Christian calendar. It was customary for people to present their tenants or servants with a loaf of bread on this day. Over time, "hlǣfdige dæg" evolved into "Lady Day" in Middle English, maintaining the association with the role of women as bread-makers or keepers of the household.