Michaelmas is a traditional Christian holiday specifically celebrated in Western churches. It is categorized as a "Christian feast" ("Michaelmas"), recognizing "St. Michael's traditional position as leader of the heavenly armies" ("Michaelmas"). The other main angels mentioned in the Gospels and beyond are also included in the recognition and festivities of this holiday. Michaelmas is celebrated on September 29 and is specifically relevant to Persuasion in being the day on which the Crofts move into Kellynch Hall. At this point in the novel, Anne Elliot had been living at Uppercross for three weeks. Our version of the novel details Michaelmas as "one of the four days fixed by custom as marking the quarters of the year" (Austen 71). The 29th of September, therefore, acts as a practical day for the Crofts to take up their new residence as Michaelmas was considered one of the days when houses' rents and tenancies would've been due as well as started.

Austen, Jane, and Linda Bree. Persuasion. Broadview Press, 2004.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Michaelmas.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 20 July 1998, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Michaelmas.