On Hilary

You've probably heard me mention Hilary throughout my blog and thought, what is she on about? Well, here at Oxford, we aren't satisfied with the normal names for the terms, we've got to go and give them funny names. Hilary is the name for the second term of the year which is traditionally called the Easter term.

I thought I'd do a search on the origins of the names of the terms so I went to the general Oxford University website and checked out the frequently asked questions. I can't believe that people are more interested in the coat of arms than the funny names of the terms.

Next stop was my college, St. Hugh's website, still no joy, but I did learn that the library there is open 24 hours to St. Hugh's students. Hmmm...

So, Oxford University is keeping mum about this matter, is it that they don't know so if nobody says anything then perhaps no one will notice? Well, I'm not put off that easily so I tried AskJeeves which is a site where you can ask any question and it searches the web to give you an answer. Finally! As well as an answer, I also found a great website on Oxford speak that you should check out.

If you're now sitting on the edge of your seat then here is why: The Oxford terms follow the ecclesiastical calendar of the Anglican Christian year and the three terms are named Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity. I shall attempt to further explain why...

Michaelmas is named after the feast of Michael which takes place on the 29th September. The archangel is one of the angels in God's presence, traditionally the one with a sword. The date, 29th Sept is the anniversary of the dedication of the Roman basilica to him.

Hilary is named after Saint Hilary of Poitiers (c315-367) was a bishop in the church from 350. As a result of his zeal, he was exiled and on his return wrote the historically invaluable De synodis (hasn't everyone read it?). Actually, I found a pretty decent translation - here is a chapter addressed "To the bishops of Africa" written about 369 a.d. - who said Christianity is a western religion? Anyway, St. Hilary's feast takes place on the 14th January which is about the time that Hilary term starts.

Finaly, Trinity (I really must be going to bed). This one is easy, Trinity Sunday is celebrated as the first Sunday after the feast of Pentecost which is important in the Christian calendar because it signifies when the Holy Spirit first came and the Christian church was "born". Ironically, Pentecost takes place on the 6th June next year which is in Week 7 on Trinity. Puzzling? Go figure.

PS. I've found more information on Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity
on Wikipedia

PS cont'd. I also discovered that the terms at Oxford are the shortest of any British University. Now they tell us!