Lady Day is March 25--Annunciation Day (the day that the Virgin Mary was told she was pregnant). It also marked the beginning of the new year, both legally and seasonally (real close to the equinox) in England and her colonies. New Year in England and her colonies was technically changed from March 25 until Jan. 1 on Sept. 2, 1752 when England gave up the Julian calendar, eliminated 11 days from the calendar, and began using the Gregorian calendar (which had been used by the rest of Europe for 170 years). The new calendar added 11 minutes and 14 seconds to each year. Even though Jan. 1 became the New Year, legally and by the calendar, people continued to use Lady Day to mark many legal agreements. It was the "old new year" and dates were remembered as OS or NS, Old Style or New Style. The peppercorn is simply the idea of using a "token" payment something that is essentially worthless, like a single peppercorn. Some Augusta Co. deeds from the time use an ear of Indian corn instead of a peppercorn. Today we would say "for one dollar in hand" or some such. Hope this helps. Nancy Sorrells -----Original Message----- From: John and Barbara Ekiss <jbekiss@worldnet.att.net> To: VAAUGUST-L@rootsweb.com <VAAUGUST-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, April 07, 1999 11:22 PM Subject: [VAAUGUST-L] mortgage deed question/funny >Saw in 3 separate mortgage deeds today - in the 1760's in Augusta Co VA >"for payment of one pepper corn on Lady Day if the same shall be lawfully >demanded". I know what a pepper corn is but does anyone know what day Lady >Day was, the signifance of that day/celebration etc. I'm pretty sure that >one of these mortgages was between family members and am wondering if the >others were the same, but with the in-laws. If so could be a big clue. >Thanks Barb > > >==== VAAUGUST Mailing List ==== >**************************************************************** >The Augusta County mailing list page has instructions on how to > subscribe and unsubscribe from the list > Visit it at: >http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapulask/augustaquery/augustalist.htm >*************************************************************** > >