who these days Reads weather reports, repeatedly comes across references to the “dormouse”. That is on Monday, June 27th, and according to an old farmer’s saying, on this day it should be possible to read how the summer will be. Does it rain for weeks or do we sweat in the scorching sun?
The rule says: “If the dormouse is wet, it rains without stopping.” But what does that have to do with the rodent?
The edible dormice not only seems to be able to predict whether it will find enough food in autumn. It can also adapt extremely well to weather fluctuations and thus to years with a large or very low food supply. It only reproduces when times are good, but it can also stop for several years. If little food is to be expected, it simply extends its hibernation, which usually lasts seven months.
But how does the dormouse know when it’s worth waking up and when not?
He has an internal clock that he can rely on. But one thing is also certain: If it rains for seven weeks from June 27th, the dormouse can’t help it…
Because: The proverb does not refer to the rodent at all!
It goes back to a Christian legend. According to this, seven persecuted Christians are said to have taken refuge in a cave and slept for almost 200 years until they were discovered on June 27, 446 and woke up.
