In English and Scottish tradition, the days on which servants were hired and rents and rates were due.
The English quarter days (also observed in Wales and Ireland) are:
- Lady Day (March 25)
- Midsummer Day (June 24)
- Michaelmas (September 29)
- Christmas (December 25)
The Scottish quarter days are:
- Candlemas (February 2)
- Whitsunday (May 15)
- Lammas (August 1)
- Martinmas (November 11).
The significance of quarter days is now limited, although leasehold payments and rents for business premises in England are usually still due on the old English quarter days.
The Cross-quarter days derive from the Celtic calendar (see Cross-quarter day). They are Candlemas, May Day (May 1), Lammas, and All Hallows (November 1).