How deeply ingrained the Old Faith is in the English culture can be found in both its calendar and table culture. For example, English schools traditionally begin with the Michaelmas (pronounced MICKel-mus) term, on or near the September 29 feast of St. Michael the Archangel.
St. Michael is usually depicted in art carrying a sword and/or shield, battling Lucifer. Christian tradition holds that Michael (whose name in Hebrew translates, “Who is like God?”) was the leader of the angelic army that threw Satan out of Heaven after a considerable row. He is the patron of knights, policemen, soldiers, paramedics, ambulance drivers -- and also danger at sea, for the sick, and of a holy death.
The Michaelmas Daisies, among dede weeds,
Bloom for St Michael's valorous deeds.
And seems the last of flowers that stood,
Till the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude.
(October 28)
“She Loves Me:’ At this time of year, the Aster (Aster nova-belgii) blooms, known as the Michaelmas Daisy – famous as a portent for lovers. English-speakers the world over are familiar with seasonal custom of pulling these daisy petals, reciting "S/he loves me," and "S/he loves me not," until all the petals are gone. (The words one intones while pulling off the last petal lets one know if one's love is requited.)
Michaelmas was when geese were brought to market to be sold from farms into towns, so roast goose dinners are traditional. It was also the time when the fishing season ended, the hunting season began, and apples
were harvested.
CHRIST IN THE KITCHEN: English Catholics in the Middle Ages would cross-section an apple to show their children how the 5 seeds inside the 5-pointed star found inside represented the Five Wounds of Christ.
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