July 15
ST. SWITHIN’S DAY
Sometime in the late 800s-900s, there lived a man named Swithun or Swithin. He was the Bishop of Winchester in Old England. For some unknown reason - since Bishop Swithin was not particularly famous - his remains were transferred to Winchester Cathedral on this day in 971.
It so happened that there was a heavy rainfall on this same day. Some say Bishop Swithin was angry about the move and caused the downpour. From then on, according to an old English adage, if it should rain on July 15th, it will rain for forty days thereafter.
“St. Swithin’s day, gif ye do rain, for forty days it will remain; St. Swithin’s day, an ye be fair, for forty days ’twill rain nae mair.”
Are you weather forecasters paying attention?
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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