For many in the UK, 25 March is just another date on the calendar. But historically, this day—known as Lady Day—held massive significance. It marked the start of the new year for centuries and was a crucial date for legal and financial matters.
If you have ever wondered why the UK tax year starts in early April rather than January, the answer lies in the history of Lady Day.
In this guide, we will explore what Lady Day is, why it matters, and how it is observed in 2026.
When is Lady Day 2026?
Lady Day falls on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
It is a fixed date, meaning it always happens on 25 March every year. In the Christian calendar, this date is the Feast of the Annunciation. It commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady), announcing that she would give birth to Jesus. Because this is exactly nine months before Christmas (25 December), it was traditionally seen as the start of the Christian story.
Historical Significance in the UK
Lady Day was once one of the most important days of the year in England. From 1155 until 1752, it marked the official beginning of the new year.
The Quarter Days
Lady Day is the first of the four traditional “Quarter Days” in England, Wales, and Ireland. The other three are:
- Midsummer Day (24 June)
- Michaelmas (29 September)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
These dates were used to divide the year into four equal parts. On these days, servants were hired, school terms began, rents were due, and debts were settled. Because Lady Day was the first Quarter Day, it was the primary date for year-long contracts to begin.
The Calendar Change of 1752
The reason we no longer celebrate New Year on Lady Day comes down to a calendar reform. In 1752, Great Britain switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. As part of this change, the start of the legal new year was moved to 1 January.
However, the Treasury didn’t want to lose 11 days of tax revenue during the switch. They moved the start of the financial year forward by 11 days from 25 March, landing on 6 April. This is why the UK tax year still begins on 6 April today.
Modern Observance Today
While Lady Day is no longer a public holiday or the start of the calendar year, it still holds importance in certain sectors.
Religious Observance
For many Christians, particularly within the Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions, 25 March remains an important feast day. Special church services often take place to celebrate the Annunciation.
Financial and Legal Traditions
The legacy of Lady Day survives in the business world.
- Rent payments: Many commercial leases and agricultural tenancies in the UK still demand rent payments on the traditional Quarter Days, including 25 March.
- Tax Year: As mentioned, the UK personal tax year structure is a direct result of Lady Day’s historical prominence.
Farming
In traditional farming communities, Lady Day was often the time when farmers would move to new land. While less common now, some rural tenancies still change hands on this date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lady Day a bank holiday in the UK?
No, Lady Day is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. Businesses, schools, and government offices remain open as usual.
Why is it called Lady Day?
It is named after the Virgin Mary, often referred to as “Our Lady” in Christian theology. The day celebrates the Annunciation, the moment she was told she would bear a son.
Do other countries celebrate Lady Day?
Yes. While the specific legal and financial traditions are unique to the UK (specifically England), the Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated by Christians worldwide on 25 March. In some countries, like Sweden, it is also celebrated as “Waffle Day” due to a linguistic misunderstanding that became a tasty tradition.
Is Lady Day the same as Mother’s Day?
No. Mother’s Day (Mothering Sunday) in the UK changes date every year, as it is linked to Easter. Lady Day is fixed on 25 March.
Understanding Our Traditions
Knowing the history of Lady Day helps explain the quirks of the British calendar. It reminds us that our modern financial systems and holidays have deep roots in the past.
While you might not get a day off work on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, you can appreciate that for centuries, this was the day everyone waited for—the official start of something new.