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Get ready to celebrate the legend of Saint Swithin's Day on July 15! According to folklore, this day is associated with the belief that whatever the weather is like on this day, it will continue for the next 40 days. This tradition originated in England and was inspired by a popular medieval saint, who was known for his kindness and miraculous healing powers. While there may not be any scientific evidence behind this superstition, it's still a fun and interesting part of history to celebrate. So let's hope for sunny skies on July 15 and enjoy the beginning of a potentially beautiful summer season!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Swithin's Death</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Swithin, Bishop of Winchester, passes away and is buried in accordance to his wishes outside the Old Minster at Winchester.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Relocation of Saint Swithin's Remains</div><div class='timeline-text'>The monks of the cathedral attempted to move Swithin's remains to a more fitting place inside the cathedral but were interrupted by rain for 40 days and nights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1100s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cult of Saint Swithin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Swithin's reputation grew as stories of his miracles started to spread; thus the "Cult of Saint Swithin" was established.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Swithin's Day Proverb Originates</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Middle Ages, the weather lore proverb of Saint Swithin's Day became popular among the public, predicting weather for 40 days.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularity in Literature</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Swithin's Day became frequently mentioned in English literature of the 19th Century, notably by authors Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Day Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Swithin's Day is now recognised as a notable date in the British cultural calendar with weather predictions eagerly anticipated each year.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a wish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Saint Swithin's Day is believed to be a day where wishes come true. Take some time to make a wish and see what happens!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns in England hold parades and festivals to celebrate Saint Swithin's Day. Look for one near you and join in on the festivities!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Do a good deed</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Saint Swithin was known for his acts of kindness and generosity. In honor of him, do a good deed for someone else on this day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a picnic in the rain</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Legend has it that if it rains on Saint Swithin's Day, it will rain for the next 40 days. Embrace the rain and have a picnic outside to celebrate this weather-related tradition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Bake a traditional Saint Swithin's Day cake</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In England, it is customary to bake a special cake on Saint Swithin's Day. Look up some recipes and try your hand at making your very own Saint Swithin's Day cake.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a unique holiday</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Saint Swithin's Day may not be as well-known as other holidays, but that just adds to its charm. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about the origin and traditions of this lesser-known celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Saint Swithin's Day is centered around the belief that the weather on this day determines the weather for the next 40 days. This puts a focus on nature and encourages us to pay attention to our environment and its patterns.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings luck with it</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Legend has it that if it rains on Saint Swithin's Day, it will continue to rain for the next 40 days. However, if it is sunny on this day, we can expect good weather ahead. This tradition adds an element of fun and anticipation to the holiday.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Swithin is the Patron Saint of Weather</h3><p class='facts-content'>The lore surrounding Swithin's weather-predicting abilities made him the unofficial patron saint of weather in British folklore.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Statues Embellish Winchester Cathedral</h3><p class='facts-content'>As a tribute to Saint Swithin, statues depicting him are erected at Winchester cathedral, the place where he served as a bishop.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Apples play a role in Saint Swithin’s day traditions</h3><p class='facts-content'>In some regions, the tradition is to give apple-based rituals, including drinking cider, on St. Swithin's day to ensure a good apple harvest.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>His Miracles Involved Restoring Broken Eggs</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the most famous miracles attributed to Saint Swithin was restoring an old lady's basket of eggs that had been broken by careless workmen, exemplifying his quiet power and kindness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Churches are Dedicated to Saint Swithin</h3><p class='facts-content'>In honor of this humble saint, many churches have been founded in his name across England, validating his ongoing influence on religious and cultural practices.</p></div></div>
Saint Swithin’s Day is celebrated on July 15 every year. In 2024 Saint Swithin’s Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jul 15
Saturday
2024
Jul 15
Monday
2025
Jul 15
Tuesday
2026
Jul 15
Wednesday
2027
Jul 15
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