MICHAELMAS Meaning and
Definition
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Michaelmas is a noun that refers to a Christian festival or feast day celebrated on the 29th of September. It commemorates the Archangel Michael, who plays a prominent role in Christian theology and is considered the leader of God's army against evil. This festival is also known as the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels.
The name Michaelmas is derived from the Middle English words "Michael" and "mass," which means "Mass of Michael." It has its roots in medieval Europe and has been observed since the 6th century. During this commemoration, various Christian denominations, especially Anglicans and Catholics, hold special services and masses in honor of Saint Michael and the angelic hierarchy.
Traditionally, Michaelmas marks the entrance into autumn and the harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere. Many cultural customs and superstitions are associated with this festival. In some regions, it is believed that eating a goose on Michaelmas brings prosperity and ensures abundance throughout the coming year. Moreover, festivities like fairs, games, and markets are often held during this period, acting as a social gathering for communities.
In a broader sense, the term "Michaelmas" is also used to refer to the time of year when this feast day takes place, commonly known as the autumn equinox. It serves as a cultural and historical reference point for marking the change in seasons and symbolizes the transition from summer to autumn in many traditional calendars.
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The feast of the archangel Michael, celebrated on 29th Sept.; a regular term in England, 29th Sept.; autumn; Michaelmas term, among lawyers, the interval between 2d and 25th November.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MICHAELMAS
- michaels
- nichaelmas
- kichaelmas
- jichaelmas
- muchaelmas
- mjchaelmas
- mkchaelmas
- mochaelmas
- m9chaelmas
- m8chaelmas
- mixhaelmas
- mivhaelmas
- mifhaelmas
- midhaelmas
- micgaelmas
- mychaelmas
- Mychalmas
Etymology of MICHAELMAS
The word "Michaelmas" is derived from Old English, where "Mīċeal" is the name of the archangel Michael, and "mæsse" means "Mass" or "feast". Therefore, "Michaelmas" literally means "Michael's Mass" or "Michael's feast". The term refers to the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is celebrated on September 29th in the Western Christian calendar.
Similar spelling words for MICHAELMAS
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