Note 184-2 — JOURNAL OF THE FIRST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS (continued 2)

In Spain in earlier times the Annunciation was celebrated on December 18 to avoid having it come in Lent. When the Roman usage in regard to Annunciation was adopted in Spain they instituted the Feast of our Lady’s Expectation on December 18. It was called “The Feast of O because the first of the greater antiphons is said in the vespers of its vigil.” Addis and Arnold, Catholic Dictionary, under “Mary.” The series of anthems all begin with “O.”