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Mithalwen · 08-19-2004, 12:35 PM

the 25th of December and March are also "Quarter Days" as are Midsummer Day on June 24th and Michaelmas (29th September). These were the days traditionally when rent and taxes were due and servant hired. The 25th of March was also the start of the new year for about 600 years (12-18th centuries). It is also the feast of the Annunciation or Lady Day which may have been a factor for the Catholic Tolkien. It could be a kind of reverse gestation period .... instead of nine months awaiting the birth of the Messiah, a three month journey to destroy the power of evil....
I can't check this just now but they must have been in Lorien for Candlemas .......

08-19-2004, 12:35 PM	#3
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	English Quarter days the 25th of December and March are also "Quarter Days" as are Midsummer Day on June 24th and Michaelmas (29th September). These were the days traditionally when rent and taxes were due and servant hired. The 25th of March was also the start of the new year for about 600 years (12-18th centuries). It is also the feast of the Annunciation or Lady Day which may have been a factor for the Catholic Tolkien. It could be a kind of reverse gestation period .... instead of nine months awaiting the birth of the Messiah, a three month journey to destroy the power of evil.... I can't check this just now but they must have been in Lorien for Candlemas ....... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace