July 10th could reveal the rest of the summer: Here's why this day is special

In Lithuania, July 10th holds a special significance, traditionally known as the Day of the Seven Sleeping Brothers. This day is associated with a well-known piece of folk meteorology: the belief that its weather can forecast the remainder of the summer.

According to this ancient folklore, if rain falls on July 10th, it portends a period of continued wet weather that could last for an extended duration – potentially seven days, seven weeks, or even as long as 40 days. This saying has been passed down through generations.

Ethnologist Libertas Klimka offers insight into the origins of this belief, suggesting it is not merely based on legend but is deeply connected to centuries of meticulous observation of nature. He speculates that the tradition might have roots tracing back to the 3rd century AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Decius, a period marked by the persecution of Christians.

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I think that in the 3rd century AD, an emperor named Decius ruled in Rome. Christianity was still being fought against, and he imprisoned seven brothers...