Months
- stories from ancient folklore
February - weather lore and rhymes
Our ancestors generally regarded a wet February as the forerunner of a fine summer, and rain therefore during this month was looked upon as desirable ... | “ | If February give much snow, A fine summer it doth foreshow. | ” |
in a more obscure saying that references a warm february, it is again thought bad for february to be warm. | “ | When gnats dance in February the husbandman becomes a beggar. | ” |
infact this month does not seem too popular anywhere, Chambers notes that | “ | there is a prejudice against February in the Scottish mind. | ” |
which i found absolutely charming, the Welsh do not escape and it has been said ... | “ | The Welshman would rather see his dam on her bier, Than see a fair Februeer. | ” |
Candlemas Day - feb 2ndcandlemas day is rich in weather related folk lore, generally following the general february theme, it is very bad for it to be fine, hence | “ | If Candlemas Day be fair and clear, There'll be twa winters in the year. | ” |
as well as various Scottish references such as these rhymes... | “ | After Candlemas Day the frost will be more keen, If the sun then shines bright, than before it has been. | ” |
| “ | If Candlemas Day be dry and fair, The half o' winter's to come and mair; If Candlemas Day be wet and foul, The half o' winter gane at Yule | ” |
Shrove Tuesday and Ash wednesday - variable date depending on Easterit is said that if it thunders | “ | it foretelleth wind, store of fruit, and plenty. | ” |
but that if it is windy .. | “ | a death amongst them that are learned, and much fish shall die in following summer. | ” |
It was commonly said that ... | “ | Wherever the wind lies on Ash Wednesday, it will continue in that quarter during all Lent. | ” |
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