St Swithin's Day
July 15 · Level 2 · #2001 of 2238
St Swithin's Day remembers a ninth-century bishop of Winchester whose feast became entwined with British weather folklore. The famous saying claims that rain on this day means forty more rainy days, while dry weather promises forty fair ones.
How it is celebrated: churches associated with the saint hold services, while weather watchers and folklore enthusiasts recall the old rhyme and check the skies. The prediction belongs to tradition rather than reliable forecasting.
According to legend, Swithin wanted an outdoor grave where rain could fall on it. The later transfer of his remains into the church became linked to a story of prolonged rain.