Scottish term days facts for kids

Scottish term and quarter days are special dates in Scotland that were historically used to mark important times of the year. Imagine them like official checkpoints for old agreements!

These days were when things like contracts and leases (agreements to rent land or property) would start or end. They were also when people might get hired or let go from their jobs. Plus, it was when rent, money owed on loans, and even payments for ministers (religious leaders) were due.

What are Scottish Term Days?

The main "Term Days" are Whitsunday and Martinmas. When you add Candlemas and Lammas, they become the "Quarter Days." These four days originally matched up with old Christian holidays.

• Candlemas: This day was on February 2nd.
• Whitsunday: This day was on May 15th.
• Lammas: This day was on August 1st.
• Martinmas: This day was on November 11th.

Long ago, the date for Whitsunday could change because it was linked to Easter. But in 1886, all these dates were made fixed. This means they always fall on the same day each year. They were officially set as February 28th, May 28th, August 28th, and November 28th. The Term and Quarter Days (Scotland) Act 1990 later made these dates official law.

Old Scottish Term Days (Before 1886)

Before 1886, the dates for these special days were a little different. They were based on an older calendar system.

• Candlemas (February 2nd)
• Whitsunday (May 15th)
• Lammas (August 1st)
• Martinmas (November 11th)

New Scottish Term Days (After 1886)

After 1886, the dates were changed to be fixed and easier to remember. These are the "new" Scottish Term and Quarter Days:

• February 28th
• May 28th
• August 28th
• November 28th

History of the Quarter Days

Each of these days has an interesting history, often linked to old traditions and church festivals.

Candlemas: A Festival of Light

Candlemas was originally on February 2nd. It was a Christian feast day celebrating the presentation of Jesus at the temple. Before the Protestant Reformation (a big change in the Christian church), people would have parades with candles. This tradition came from an old Roman celebration. In Scotland, mothers of babies born the year before would march with candles. They hoped to be "purified" or blessed by the Virgin Mary.

Whitsun: A White Celebration

Whitsun was originally the feast of Pentecost. This was a time when many christenings (when babies are welcomed into the church) would happen. Because of the white clothes worn for christenings, it became linked to the color white. The date of Pentecost changes every year. So, the legal Term Day of Whitsunday was fixed. It was set as May 26th in the old calendar. When Scotland started using the Gregorian Calendar in 1599, it became May 15th.

Lammas: The Bread Feast

Lammas was celebrated on August 1st. This was the day when the first crops of the harvest were offered. The name "Lammas" comes from an old word meaning 'loaf-mass' or 'bread-feast'. It was a time to celebrate the first bread made from the new harvest.

Martinmas: Honoring a Saint

Martinmas falls on November 11th. It was originally a feast day for Saint Martin of Tours. He was a bishop and a hermit (someone who lives alone for religious reasons) in the 4th century.

In 1886, the dates for moving house and hiring servants in Scottish towns changed. They moved to February 28th, May 28th, August 28th, and November 28th. The older dates are now called Old Scottish Term Days. The Term and Quarter Days (Scotland) Act 1990 made these new dates official.

How Are They Used Today?

Today, these term days are mostly used for renting farmland. They are not used as much for other types of leases or agreements. You might also hear about them in historical stories or special ceremonies.

The oldest universities in Scotland used to name their school terms after Martinmas, Candlemas, and Whitsun. For example, at the University of St Andrews, the two semesters (parts of the school year) are still called Martinmas and Candlemas.

See also

• Quarter Days