June: A Delightful Blend of Strawberries, Cherries, and Medard’s Rains

The name June is believed to have roots in Slavic languages, though its exact origin remains unclear. It might come from the red colors of ripe strawberries, cherries, and other fruits, or possibly from the worms that appear in fruit as it ripens. It’s clear that the ancient Slavs had some difficulties naming the pre-summer season. At one point, there were actually three ‘Junes’: today’s May was once called June the lesser, followed by June the Great, and then the regular June, which we now refer to as July. Can you picture the mix-up if these names hadn’t changed over time?

Rains, Storms, and St. Medard

The forecasts for June often center around three saints: St. Vitus (June 15), St. Alois (June 21), and St. John the Baptist (June 24). Also, at the end of May and the start of June, Saint Fortunatus (June 1) brings what’s known as fortunate spring. This pattern still holds true today with a 70% likelihood of occurrence, usually seen in the first ten days of June, particularly between May 28 and June 5. This period typically brings noticeable warmth and minimal rain. There are various prophecies surrounding this time:

• About St. Fortunatus, a drop of rain is worth a ducat.
• On St. Anthony’s Day (June 3), scythe sharpening begins.
• On St. Norbert’s Day (June 6), the cold is said to go away.

However, just a few days later, things can change drastically: we then experience the St. Vitus rains, when moist sea air begins to sweep into Europe. The chance of this happening is again quite high, around 70%. The most well-known forecasts relate to Saint Medard (June 8):

• Medard’s hood drips for forty days straight.
• If it rains on Medard’s Day, rain will fall for six Sundays.
• A sunny day on Medard quiets the farmer’s sadness.
• Whatever tune Medard plays, people will dance to it all month.
• If Medard cries, the barley will too.
• Saint Vitus gives the grass a drink.

Floods, Storms, and Hail

Although June usually brings summer warmth by the end of the month, it can also introduce unexpected thunderstorms and hail. Intense rainstorms increase the risk for flooding. What do the forecasts say regarding storms? For instance:

• As the moon grows in June, sudden storms tend to arise.
• When north winds blow in June, storms are delayed.
• Summer thunderstorms around the full moon often mean significant rainfall.
• As it storms on St. Medard’s Day, it storms all month long.
• On St. Barnabas (June 11), storms are frequently encountered.
• Saint Tonica (June 12) often has a rainy disposition.

The unpredictability of these forecasts is captured in the saying: No need to ask for rain in June, it will arrive when it’s time to mow. Following the St. Vitus rains, a drier spell usually begins around St. Alois (June 21) and the previous feast of the Ten Thousand Knights and Paul of Nola (June 22). Here’s what the forecasts predict during that time:

• On St. Aloysius, mow the meadow without any worries.
• To the Ten Thousand Knights, expect a downpour of ten thousand drops.
• St. Paul of Nola brings floods.

Summer Solstice and Midsummer Night

Pay attention to the sun: during the week from June 13 to June 19, it rises earlier and sets later than at any other time of the year. Including dawn and dusk, this results in a very short night of barely four hours. While the summer solstice is nearly overlooked in prophecies, an old saying goes: As the solstice full moon is, so dry the summer will be. In Sweden, where long days and white nights allow for continuous celebrations, the Summer Solstice (Midsommar) is not only the peak summer festival but also a public holiday. In our region, it’s celebrated more as Midsummer Night, the magical night prior to St. John the Baptist’s feast (June 24). On this night, the tradition holds that single women who gather nine flowers and place them under their pillow will dream of their future spouse.

The enchanted night and the festival of All John’s Day often focus more on maidens than on dreamy girls. These are the Midsummer rains. Typically occurring between June 24 and June 27, the first waves of heavier rains truly arrive in our areas, with forecasts noting:

• St. John the Baptist (June 24) is a herald of rain.
• If it rains on John the Baptist’s Day, expect rain for four Sundays.
• Ask for rain before St. John’s Day; after that, it will come unbidden.
• If it rains on St. Ladislav’s Day (June 27), the rain will linger.

The final set of June prophecies is associated with the feast of Peter and Paul (June 29). They convey:

• If St. Ladislaus plants mushrooms, Peter and Paul will harvest them.
• A clear and pure day on Peter and Paul promises a fruitful and successful year.
• Peter gathers mushrooms while Paul collects mice when it rains.
• If it rains on Peter and Paul’s Day, expect lots of mice and an abundance of mushrooms.