Raine, raine, goe away,
Come againe a Saterday.
I have a conceit that this childish custome is of great antiquity, and that it is derived from the gentiles." (Aubrey, MS. Lansd. 231.)
If Candlemas day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight.
It is generally the case that fine weather continues if it is mild at Candlemas. A somewhat similar proverb is given by M. Kuhn, Gebräuche und Aberglauben, ii. 12.
It is time to cock your hay and corn,
When the old donkey blows his horn.
The braying of the ass is said to be an indication of rain or hail.
[SNOW.]
In Yorkshire, when it begins to snow, the boys exclaim,—
Snow, snow faster,
The cow's in the pasture.
When the storm is concluding, or when they wish it to give over, they sing,—