Four days in the year once linked to the renewal of annual policies and other transactions. Fire and accident insurers extended the first period of annual insurances to the nearest quarter day. In England and Ireland – Ladyday (25 March); Midsummer (24 June); Michaelmas (29 September); Christmas (25 December). In Scotland: Candlemas (2 February); Whitsun (15 May); Lammas (1 August); Martinmas (11 November).