Who was (is ?) St. Swithan? Why does he have a day ? Whats a Swithan ?
St. Swithun was a ninth-century bishop of Winchester. He has a feast day in the same way as any other saint.
Swithin or Swithun, St
(?–862)
English saint and theologian. He was adviser to King Egbert, and in 852 he was made Bishop of Winchester, where he died. When in 971 the monks exhumed his body to bury it in the rebuilt cathedral, the removal, which was to have taken place on 15 July, is said to have been delayed by violent rains - hence the current belief that if it rains on that day, it will rain for 40 days more. Feast day 15 July.
A number of different spellings on the name. More commonly as Swithun or Swithin. Born around 800, died in 862. Was ordained but uncertainty remains on whether he was a monk. Chaplain to Kink Egbert of the West Saxons and tutor of Egbert’s son Ethelwulf. Named Bishop of Winchester when Ethelwulf became king (852).
Known for his great knowledge of scripture, his humility and his aid to the poor and the needy. He asked to be buried where “passersby might tread on his grave and where the rain from the eaves might fall upon it.” His veneration as a saint began when his bones were moved from the churchyard to Winchester Catherdral and it rained for 40 days. This gave rise to the superstion that if it rains on his feast day it will continue to rain for 40 days.
Feasst day is still celebrated in the Anglican Church.