"For 40 days twill rain nae mare" - Rector's Rambling for July 14, 2019

Tomorrow, July 15, is the Feast of St. Swithun.  “He was Bishop of Winchester (UK) from his consecration on 30 October 852 until his death on 2 July 863.

Swithun was initially buried out of doors, rather than in his cathedral, apparently at his own request.  William of Malmesbury recorded that the bishop left instructions that his body should be buried outside the church, ubi et pedibus praetereuntium et stillicidiis ex alto rorantibus esset obnoxious [where it might be subject to the feet of passers-by and to the raindrops pouring from on high.

In 971 it was decided to move his body to a new indoor shrine, and one theory traces the origin of the legend to a heavy shower by which, on the day of the move, the saint marked his displeasure towards those who were removing his remains.” (Wikipedia, edited)

Now each year on St. Swithun’s Day the legend is that if it rains, the second half of the summer will be rainy, if not, drought.  As an old rhyme states:

St Swithun's day if thou dost rain

For forty days it will remain

St Swithun's day if thou be fair

For forty days 'twill rain nae mare

Most years, by July 15, my lawn is quite dried out and browning, and a rain shower is hoped for to keep me from having to water the lawn the rest of the summer.

This year, with record high lake and river water levels, and a yard that is teeming with green growth everywhere, I think I will just give thanks to God for the life and ministry of St. Swithun, and leave the prayer intention for another year.

Either way, may God bless us in His provision for us.