The Song Of The Michaelmas Daisy Fairy

Today is the traditional feast day of Michaelmas,

or a day to honor the Archangel Michael, the heavenly defender sent

by God to watch over and protect the nation and people of Israel.

Michael is said to be the greatest of all the Archangels in the heaven,

and is often depicted defeating Satan during his rebellion against God

when the enemy was cast down from heaven.

Michael Tramples Satan
Guido Reni
(1636)

In times past, on the Isle of Sky in Scotland, a procession in honor

of Michael was held along with sports competitions, horse racing, and

other games.  One of the few flowers still blooming at this time of the year

was the Michaelmas Daisy, a member of the Aster family of Autumn flowers,

hence the old rhyme: "The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weed,

Bloom for Michael's valorous deeds..."

"Red Admiral, Red Admiral,

I'm glad to see you here,

Alighting on my daisies one by one!

I hope you like their flavour

and although the Autumn's near,

Are happy as you sit there in the sun?"

"I thank you very kindly. Sir!

Your daisies are so nice,

So pretty and so plentiful are they;

The flavour of their honey, Sir,

It really does entice;

I'd like to bring my brothers, if I may!"

"Friend butterfly, friend butterfly,

go fetch them one and all!

I'm waiting here to welcome every guest;

And tell them it is Michaelmas,

and soon the leaves will fall,

But I think Autumn sunshine is best!"

"The Song Of The Michaelmas Daisy Fairy"

Poem and illustration by

Cecily Mary Barker

(1895-1973)

English artist and poetess