Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪdɪdˌe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "ladyday" is spelled l-a-d-y-d-a-y, with the IPA phonetic transcription ˈleɪdiˌdeɪ. The first syllable, "lady," is pronounced with a long "a" sound, represented by the symbol /eɪ/. The second syllable, "day," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, represented by the symbol /deɪ/. Together, the word refers to the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, observed on March 25th in many Christian traditions.
Ladyday is a term that has historical and cultural significance. Originating from the Middle English word "ladị̄dai," it refers to the feast day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditionally celebrated on March 25th. The term combines "lady," an honorific addressing the Virgin Mary, with "day" to signify the occasion. Ladyday played an important role in the Christian liturgical calendar as it commemorates the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary about her conception of Jesus.
Beyond its religious connotation, ladyday was also linked to land tenure and agricultural practices, particularly in medieval England. It marked the start of the agricultural year, and was a significant day in terms of rents, leases, and contracts related to agricultural holdings. Additionally, it corresponded with a change in the taxation year.
Throughout history, ladyday has been observed and celebrated in various ways across different cultures and regions. In some countries, it is a public holiday or a day of devotion, while in others, it may hold more cultural or historical significance. While its religious observance has diminished in modern times, the term continues to have relevance as a part of historical documentation and to evoke the traditional observance of the Annunciation.
The word "Ladyday" has its origins in the Old English phrase "hlǣfdige dæg", which meant "the day of the hlǣfdige". In Old English, "hlǣfdige" referred to the mistress of a household or the female head of a family. Over time, this term evolved into "Lady" in Middle English. Similarly, "dæg" meant "day". So, "hlǣfdige dæg" came to signify "the day of the lady" or "the lady's day". Ultimately, this developed into the modern term "Ladyday".
