Michaelmas is a Christian festival observed in some Western liturgical calendars on 29 September. In some denominations a reference to a fourth angel, usually Uriel, is also added. Michaelmas has been one of the four quarter days of the financial, judicial, and academic year.

Why is Christmas called Michaelmas?

The name Michaelmas comes from a shortening of "Michael's Mass", in the same style as Christmas (Christ's Mass) and Candlemas (Candle Mass, the Mass where traditionally the candles to be used throughout the year would be blessed).

What is meant by Michaelmas term?

1 : the term from November 2 to 25 during which the superior courts of England were formerly open — compare easter term , hilary term, trinity term. 2 : the first or fall term of the academic year lasting from the beginning of October until Christmas —used at British universities.