The ancient Celts divided the year into four sections marked by Quarter Days -- the days of the two solstices and two equinoxes, on which the seasons begin. Gradually, to conform more closely to the liturgical year of the Christian church, the Quarter Days became identified with the church's high seasonal festivals, which occurred close to the astronomical dates. Christmas, the fourth Quarter Day, was both the culmination of the old year and the first festival of the new year. The day originated as a solstice festival and signaled a time of resting and gathering fertility for a new round of sowing and reaping. This festival merged easily with the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which was celebrated at this time of year.
The term "red-letter day" originates with the tradition of marking holy days in a church calendar in red. We use the term here to designate days of special significance in each month -- holidays, astronomical happenings, anniversaries of historic events, and days with memorable folklore attached. Information is drawn from the library of The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Every month you'll find a calendar of these "red-letter days" on the front page of Almanac.com.
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