St. Svitun's Day
July 15, Tuesday
Who was Saint Swithun
Saint Swithun lived in the 9th century and served as Bishop of Winchester from around 852 until his death around 863. He was known for his humility, piety, and charity. After his death, he was buried, by his own request, outside the cathedral, "where the rain from heaven might fall upon him", reflecting his modesty.
Translation of relics and beginning of veneration
In 971, about a hundred years after the saint’s death, his relics were transferred to Winchester Cathedral. According to tradition, this event was accompanied by many healing miracles, which marked the beginning of the veneration of Saint Swithun as a miracle worker. He later became honored as a heavenly protector and healer.
Weather lore
Many weather superstitions in the United Kingdom are associated with St Swithun's Day. The most well-known says:
"If it rains on St Swithun's Day, it will rain for the next 40 days. But if it is dry, 40 days of fine weather will follow."
This belief is similar to Russian sayings about rain on Ivan Kupala or Saints Peter and Paul. Scholars believe that such folk meteorology reflects observations of stable summer weather patterns.
How it is celebrated
Although St Swithun's Day is not an official church holiday, it remains popular in England and is celebrated in some parishes. Observances include:
* services in Winchester Cathedral and other Anglican churches;
* educational events about the life and miracles of Saint Swithun;
* folk fairs and festivals, especially in southern England;
* attention to the weather on this day as part of folk tradition.
Significance of the holiday
St Swithun's Day represents not only the religious memory of a humble and virtuous bishop but also a part of folk culture, where faith, tradition, and nature observation are intertwined. It serves as a reminder of how Christian saints became a part of daily life.