Annunciation, the announcement to Mary by the angel (Luke i. 30-33) that she should conceive and bear the child Jesus. In commemoration of this event, the church instituted the feast of the Annunciation, to be observed on the 25th of March. In old style this day commenced the year. Writers differ as to the time when this feast was instituted. Some throw it as far back as the 4th century, since there is mention of it in a sermon ascribed to Athanasius. Others think its origin is to be assigned to the 7th century, which is the most probable opinion, as the sermon of Athanasius is believed to be spurious.