I have an old calendar that says on Jul. 15th, it is Saint Swithens Day. WHO? IS HE?

Question

I don't see Saint Swithen on calendars antmore. Anyone heard of ST. Swithen?

Answer 1

St. Swithun is now known for the superstition that if it rains on St. Swithun's day, July 15th, it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights.

The Bishop of Winchester and a trusted counselor of Egbert, King of the West Saxons, Swithun died on July 15, 861. Upon his death, he requested to be buried outside the Winchester Cathedral, so the"sweet rain of heaven" could fall upon his grave. A number of miraculous cures took place in the century following his death; and about a century later, Swithun was supposedly canonized by popular acclaim. In 971, when his body was ceremoniously moved inside the cathedral, 40 days of rain delayed his internment.

Answer 2

Never heard of him, but this might clear things up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Swithen

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14357c.htm