GRANDMA SAYS: A Dutchman’s day in the sun
Funny how some things strike a chord.
Recently, I wrote about one of my favourite Grandma Says expressions for SaltWire Network: “If there is enough blue in the sky to make a pair of Dutchman's britches, it won't rain.”
In the days that followed, many of you took time to reach out.
“I loved the mention of the phrase ‘enough blue sky to make a Dutchman a pair of britches.’ My mother and father are from England. I grew up hearing them use that phrase and have used it myself on occasion. My maternal grandfather was from Holland or the Netherlands; I guess that mom heard it growing up. She is gone now, but you gave me a lovely little memory. - Vivienne MacLean
“We have your book and enjoy it very much. An elderly friend in Alberta used the expression ‘enough blue sky to make a sailor’s suit.’ I have never heard about the Dutchman’s britches. Very interesting. - Myra Thiemann
“My mom used to say enough blue for a Dutchman’s britches. Here I am married to said Dutchman and his britches!” - Trish Bekkers
“My grandma used to say this adage: ‘En Avril ne te decouvre pas d'un fil, en Mai tu peut aller.’
Translated would be: in
April, do not peel a thread; in May, go ahead, it’s okay. This saying holds through to this day. Let’s hope this summer will make up for the windy and rainy days we just went through.” - Denis Savoie
“Hi Cindy. I enjoyed your column about weather lore from several of your readers. Here's another that I heard from an old fisherman many years ago: ‘An east wind, a whistling woman, a crowing hen, brings no good to God nor men!’ - Jerome Jesseau
I did hesitate on that last one, but I believe it should be taken in the context of time.
I enjoyed reading all your emails. I was not surprised to see that these weather expressions have been shared by families across the country and around the world. Weather folklore, like the weather itself, knows no boundaries.
Have a weather question, photo or drawing to share with Cindy Day? Email weathermail@weatherbyday.ca