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St. Swithin's Day, rain needed

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Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 14 Jul 2018 21:55

Dear All

Hello

Sunday 15 July is St. Swithin's Day.

On this day on people watch the weather for tradition says that whatever the weather is like on St. Swithin's Day, it will continue so for the next forty days.

There is a weather-rhyme is well known throughout the British Isles since Elizabethan times.


"St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain

For forty days it will remain

St. Swithin's day if thou be fair

For forty days 'twill rain nae mair."

dost = does
thou = you
nae mair = no more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


St. Swithin ( Swithun) was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester. He was born in the kingdom of Wessex and educated in its capital, Winchester. He was famous for charitable gifts and building churches.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why do people watch the weather on St. Swithin's day?

A legend says that as the Bishop lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried out of doors, where he would be trodden on and rained on.

For nine years, his wishes were followed, but then, the monks of Winchester attempted to remove his remains to a splendid shrine inside the cathedral
on 15 July 971.

According to legend there was a heavy rain storm either during the ceremony
or on its anniversary.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This led to the old wives' tale (folklore) that if it rains on St Swithin's Day
(15 July), it will rain for the next 40 days in succession.

A fine 15th July will be followed by 40 days of fine weather.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bearing in mind, the unusually hot summer, some rain would be much appreciated.

Take gentle care
Best wishes
Love Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Von

Von Report 14 Jul 2018 22:10

Thank you for the explanation Elizabeth.
Whilst we need some rain I hope it comes tonight and then it will be fine tomorrow :-D :-D :-D

Sharron

Sharron Report 14 Jul 2018 22:23

Well, that would have us all moaning about the rain wouldn't it? Come on now, we are British, the weather will never suit us!

maggiewinchester

maggiewinchester Report 14 Jul 2018 22:25

I'm going out for a meal tomorrow - it can't rain! :-(

Researching:
Henry Floyd (g x 4 grandad) Allegedly the heaviest man in England in 1842

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond Report 15 Jul 2018 01:47


A nice steady rain overnight a few times this week would keep everyone happy!

Fingers crossed, but please, not today, as I don't want a soggy birthday or for it to rain on my friend's wedding next month!

Lizxx

Caroline

Caroline Report 15 Jul 2018 13:45

Happy Birthday Liz.....and we could do with some rain over here too hardly any since very early Spring....trees in distress even.....and hot!

maggiewinchester

maggiewinchester Report 15 Jul 2018 19:24

Happy Birthday Liz :-D :-D

Researching:
Henry Floyd (g x 4 grandad) Allegedly the heaviest man in England in 1842

Gwyn in Kent

Gwyn in Kent Report 15 Jul 2018 21:32

Happy Birthday, Liz.

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond Report 15 Jul 2018 23:21


Thanks, folks, it's not my birthday till 25th but I didn't want it raining on St Swithins so that it rains for the next 40 days lol

Lizxx

Caroline

Caroline Report 16 Jul 2018 04:11

Well early Happy Birthdays don't harm lol