Page "Polycarp" Paragraph 13

Some feel that the expression, the Great Sabbath refers to the Christian Passover or another annual holy day.

If so, then the martyrdom would have had to occur between one and two months later as Nisan 14 ( the date that Polycarp observed Passover ) cannot come before the end of March in any year.

Other Great Sabbaths ( if this is referring to what are commonly considered to be Jewish holy days, though observed by many early professors of Christ ) come in the Spring, late summer, or Fall.

None occur in the winter.