Michaelmas Day is the 29th of September. It is named after St. Michael the Archangel. He was known as the protector of mankind who inspires courage and strength. It is also called the forgotten quarter day. It was a day for paying taxes and any other debts that were owed. In medieval times the four quarter days were important; Christmas, Labor Day, Mid Summer Day, and Michaelmas Day. These days were the basis for financial calculations. They also loosely coincide with summer and winter solstice and the spring and autumnal equinox.
The Michaelsmas flower is the Aster daisy. One should not eat blackberries after the 29th because they will not have any taste but be watery. Michaelmas ends the fishing season. It is also the start of the curfew for winter nights. It was the traditional time when laborers and servants were hired. A goose was traditionally given to a landlord by his tenants on Michaelmas Day.
In traditional images he is pictured subduing a dragon. The dragon represents the dark side of human nature: greed selfishness and apathy. This is a good image to show children how good overcomes bad.
ACTIVITY: Discuss with students our duty to pay taxes. Discuss how each and every person who owns property is obligated to pay their taxes.
ACTIVITY: Discuss with the students the story of St. Michael. Explain how his characteristics are those of a good citizen. Have a group question and answer of things the students can do to help others out in the community. Have the children write a fiction story of a good character overcoming a bad character.
