Facing May’s Monsters

When the weather suddenly turns chilly in the middle of May, seasoned gardeners don’t even flinch. They know it’s that time of year when the frozen men arrive. These are Pankrác, Servác, and Bonifác, the trio of patron saints associated with May’s surprise cold snaps, known for bringing frosts even after spring has clearly arrived.

Following them is St. Sophie, who is said to bring about significant changes. Are these just old wives’ tales, or is there a kernel of truth here?

Pankrác, Servác, Bonifác: The Cold Guardians

They are celebrated in the calendar on May 12, 13, and 14—and meteorologists tend to back up their reputation with real data. Generally, between the dates of May 12 and 15, a noticeable drop in temperatures can be expected in Central Europe, with overnight lows sometimes dipping below freezing. Both gardeners and winemakers brace for these chills, understanding that heavy, cold rains often accompany this period. Historically, this meant one thing: potential crop damage. Because names are easier to remember than dropping temperatures, the legends of the “frozen men” have emerged.
Interestingly, folk predictions regarding their influence are well-documented: the folklore surrounding May highlights the frozen men prominently. Research suggests that the predictions regarding these chilly gents come true about once every three years. Some common sayings about them include:

• • The Ice Brothers do indeed deliver what they promise.

• • Pankrác, Servác, and Bonifác frost the fruit and flowers.

• • These ice men are trouble for farmers.

• • Saints Pancras, Servatius, and Boniface are feared by all those who till the soil.

Saints Who Chill and Damage

However, it seems that Pankrác, Servác, and Bonifác may not be entirely to blame. Pankrác is known as a Martyr, Servác as a Bishop, and Bonifác was simply a regular Christian from Rome. They lived around the 4th century AD. Pankrác hailed from Phrygia in Asia Minor, now part of Turkey; Servác came from Armenia and lived much of his life in modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands, while Bonifác was Roman, indicating that they weren’t from the cold and harsh northern realms. Pankrác was believed to combat headaches and dishonesty, while Servác protected locksmiths and aided those suffering from fevers, and Bonifác had mainly ties to a monastery named after him.
Interestingly, among the records of saints, Pankrác and Servác are noted as protectors of young plants during spring frosts, while Servác was supposed to oversee overpopulated rodents. So, funny enough, these two “frozen men” seem to be harming what they were meant to safeguard. Quite curious, right?

St. Sophie: Tears over the Damaged Garden

It seems that even if Pankrác, Servatius, and Bonifác were different saints, they would still face the same fate. Early May sayings warning about potential colder weather can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries. By the 19th century, thanks to popular local calendars, nearly everyone knew these sayings.
After the frozen men go, the responsibility for rainy weather falls to St. Sophie, also known as Crying Sophie (May 15), who tags along with the icy trio. Sayings about her special day include that when St. Sophie boils water, she drinks wine, and that she often provides showers for the fields, while her rain can damage plums. It’s widely advised to wait until St. Sophie’s day to plant seedlings and start fertilizing. Essentially, if you plant before St. Sophie arrives, be prepared for tears—not just hers! If strawberries are absent from your balcony this May, that’s alright. Even though St. Sophie tends to be more weepy than frosty, if you can endure her visit, you’ll be in good shape.

The Ice Men’s Domain: The Coldest and Wettest Areas in the Czech Republic

Where might you find less fear from the ice men? Perhaps in the warmest regions of the Czech Republic—specifically in southern Moravia and along central Bohemia’s Elbe River from Kolín to Roudnice nad Labem, where the river flows through lowlands with no mountains nearby.
Conversely, the record low temperatures, along with the harsh impact of the icy trio, can be expected in the coldest corners of the country, like the Krkonoš Mountains, near Jezerní slaty close to Kvilda in Šumava, or in the Jizerské mountains around the village of Jizerka.
The provinces ruled by St. Sophie, thus known for their heavy rains, generally include mountainous regions, particularly the Jizera Mountains, Beskydy, and Jeseníky.

After the Ice Men Depart, It’s Time to Celebrate!

• • With the cold behind us, farmers’ markets, flower shows, and gardening fairs come alive, bustling with seedlings of annuals and vegetables. However, unless you have greenhouses or polytunnels, it’s wise to delay planting outdoors until after ice men have left.

• • What can you safely introduce to your garden now? Options like Africans, which, despite their name, are surprisingly hardy, as well as common vegetables.

• • However, do keep a close eye on your beloved geraniums, which don’t thrive well in temperatures below five degrees Celsius.

• • If you lack a greenhouse or suitable windowsills, it’s best to wait for warmer weather to plant peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, or the heat-loving basil.

• • If you have seedlings already outside, make sure to cover them up with non-woven fabric for protection.

• • Once the ice men and St. Sophie have moved along, it’s time to plant, hydrate, nourish, and rejoice. However, be cautious—weather patterns can be unpredictable. Meteorologists are also keeping an eye on the potential arrival of little ice men, rumored to make an appearance towards the end of May, specifically during May 25-27 associated with St. Urban, St. Philip, and St. Bede.

• • No need to panic! When nature decides to play games, sometimes all it takes is a little something you love to calm the spirits.

Frozen Men & Weeping Sophie: Traditions and Garden Protection

Legendary Weather Patrons

• The Frozen Men: Pancras, Servatius, and Boniface—three patron saints whose feast days (May 12, 13, and 14) often coincide with sudden late-spring frosts.

• St. Sophie (Weepy Sophie): Tradition holds that Sophie (May 15) brings cool, rainy weather following the frosty days.

Risks to Crops

• Unanticipated temperature dips and ground frost can damage blossoms and young shoots in gardens, orchards, and vineyards.

• Persistent spring rains may lead to waterlogged soil and fungal pressures.

Protective Gardening Practices

• Monitor local forecasts around May 12–15 and be ready to cover tender plants.

• Use cloches, fleece, or cold frames overnight to trap warmth.

• Delay planting frost-sensitive seedlings until after mid-May or when overnight lows consistently stay above 10 °C.

• Attend gardening fairs and flower shows to learn the latest frost-protection techniques and meet fellow enthusiasts.

Recommended Hardy Plants

• Afrikans (Tagetes) and other frost-tolerant annuals

• Cold-resilient vegetables such as kale, spinach, carrots, and radishes

Crops Requiring Extra Care

• Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and basil: start indoors or under protection, then transplant after the risk of frost has fully passed.