Germany's ice saints were pagan spirits

Eisheilige (ice saints), southern Germany (May 11 - 15)

The presence of these 'Strong Lords' brings unseasonably cold and/or wet weather -- a reversion to the days of Winter, or an opposite to an 'Indian Summer'.

These are the 4th- and 5th-Century saints Mamertius, Pancratius (Pancras), Servatus (Gervatius; Servatius), Boniface of Tarsus (Bonifatius), and 'Cold Sophie' (Sophia von Rom). These Christian names are versions of the Swabian presiding spirits of these days ...

Tagged: germany, saint, saints, customs, calendar+customs, folklore, winter