In the early part of the last millennium, most of Christian Europe regarded Annunciation Day (March 25) as the beginning of the year brushing aside the January 1 which was the existing New Year day until then set by the pagans. According to Catholic tradition, Annunciation Day commemorates the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would be impregnated and conceive a son to be called Jesus (meaning ‘saviour’).FACT FOOD #53
In the early part of the last millennium, most of Christian Europe regarded Annunciation Day (March 25) as the beginning of the year brushing aside the January 1 which was the existing New Year day until then set by the pagans. According to Catholic tradition, Annunciation Day commemorates the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would be impregnated and conceive a son to be called Jesus (meaning ‘saviour’).