Ice Men in May?
Q. I’ve heard that there is a theory that crops shouldn’t
be planted until the “Three Ice Men” come. I think this
refers to three saint’s days in May. Do you have any details
on this lore?
A. The Three Ice Men to whom you refer are most likely Saint Mammertius,
Saint Pancratius and Saint Gervatius, whose respective feast days
occur on May 11, 12, and 13. They are also sometimes referred to
as the “Three Chilly Saints.”
An old French saying states, “St.
Mammertius, St. Pancratius and St. Gervatius do not pass without
a frost.” Parts of Europe, in the not-too-distant past, were
rather cold through the middle of May. Hence, the legend of the Three
Ice Men (or Three Chilly Saints) was created.
Alabama Rain Lore:
I am from Walker County, Alabama, 60 miles from Birmingham, so about
all I see cows. When cows are lying down, it rains. I told my husband
this and he died laughing at me. An hour or so later, it started
raining.
Deborah Anderson
Jasper, Alabama
... and Spiders
Spider-webs in the air means rain is on the way.
Kathy Newton,
St.Elmo, Alabama
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