May 11, 12, 13

These three consecutive days in May mark the feasts of St. Mammertus, St. Pancras,
and St. Servatus.

In the wine-growing districts of France, a severe cold spell occasionally strikes at this
time of year, inflicting serious damage on the grapevines.

Although scientists claim that the unseasonable frost is caused by air currents blowing
off a late breakup of polar ice in the north, some in rural France have believed that it is
the result of their having offended one of the three saints, who for this reason are called
the "frost saints."

In Germany, too, feelings toward these three saints are mixed, especially among those
whose livelihood depends on agriculture. They call them "the three severe lords," and
farmers believe that their crops are not safe from frost until May 13 has passed.

French farmers have been known to show their displeasure over a cold snap at this time
of year by flogging the statues and defacing the pictures of Mammertus, Pancras, and
Servatus.

Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Frost+Saints%27+Days

Mike Dippel

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