Today is Michaelmas, traditionally the day to eat goose – although there’s no evidence to say that St Michael was partial. It just happens to be the best time for stubble geese to be well fattened – so called from eating grain in the field stubble. Not being much of a meat eater and certainly not goose, I think that I will just admire the Michaelmas daisies that are also around at this time of year.
It was quarter day for tenants too and, as well as paying their rent, many also threw in a goose. In fact, landlords did quite well out of these little extras, what with a capon at Christmas as well!
It was also a time for Hiring Fairs – also known as Mop Fairs - where, for instance, a maid who was looking for work would carry a mop. Shepherds would also carry a crook to show that they were up for hiring, but the name Crook’s Fair never caught on. I wonder why….
It was quarter day for tenants too and, as well as paying their rent, many also threw in a goose. In fact, landlords did quite well out of these little extras, what with a capon at Christmas as well!
It was also a time for Hiring Fairs – also known as Mop Fairs - where, for instance, a maid who was looking for work would carry a mop. Shepherds would also carry a crook to show that they were up for hiring, but the name Crook’s Fair never caught on. I wonder why….
