Great Britain is a country known for its ancient traditions. It is noteworthy that many of them are still alive and passed down from generation to generation. Many religious holidays dedicated to canonized English saints are celebrated annually and make their memory alive, although they died many centuries ago. Sweetun Winchester belongs to such saints.
This man is a real historical person, he served as a bishop in the 9th century. He became famous throughout the district and the kingdom for his pious deeds, charity and the construction of churches. Saint Sweetoon's Day in Great Britain is held every year on July 15, the day of the bishop's death, which occurred in 862.
According to legend, when he was dying, the bishop asked the monks who were next to him to bury him on the outside of the wall of Winchester Cathedral, so that the rains could irrigate his grave without hindrance. Tradition tells that the saint calmly rested in the place he had chosen for another 9 years, but to the monks such a modest burial seemed inappropriate for this saint. On July 15, 871, they decided to move the remains and bury Sweetoon inside Winchester Cathedral, under the dome of a magnificently decorated hall. On the same day, a heavy downpour fell on the roof of the cathedral, which then began to repeat from year to year.
Apparently, therefore, the British made this unpretentious bishop the patron saint of weather phenomena. According to popular beliefs, on the day of St. Svitun, you should pay attention to what the weather is outside the window, since the 40 days following this date will also be the same. If it rains on July 15, then the next 7 weeks you will have to walk with an umbrella, and if the sun is shining, you should prepare for clear, cloudless days.
There are no special celebrations and religious processions on Winchester's St. Sweetoon's Day, but all English churches hold special solemn services dedicated to his memory. Priests read sermons calling for charity and piety, citing episodes from the life of a canonized bishop as an example to parishioners.
In memory of this saint, who planted many apple trees near Winchester Cathedral, the British consider the date of his death to be the day from which apples are already considered ripe and can be harvested and eaten. In Russia, such a day is Yablochny Spas, in Great Britain it is St. Svitun's Day.
