This feast, dating from the 4th c. in both East and West, came to be celebrated in accord with Lk 1:36, six months before the Lord's birth; quoting Jn 3:30, St. Augustine ofund this date (near the summer solstice) appropriate for, after the birth of John, daylight begins to grow shorter, whereas after Jesus' birth, it begins to increase. Is 4(;1-6; Ps 139:1b-3, 13-15, Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80