An apple a day

but only after 15^th July…

Today is St. Swithin’s Day, a day associated with the weather and the ripening of apples.  His remains were moved from their original resting place to Winchester Cathedral on 15^th July in 971 AD. According  to legend, the saint so resented being moved that he began to weep, causing heavy rain to fall for the next 40 days.

Hence, a shower of rain on St. Swithin’s Day was said to be the saint christening the apples and in some rural areas no one would eat an apple until after 15^th July.

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 no mair.

The good news is that it stayed fine here the whole day.

Hopefully summer is on the way at last.