never wash blankets in May?

[rachaelersk]

I am a great one for superstitions like never clip nails on a friday or sunday as its meant to be bad luck, but can anyone tell me have they heard of this one. Never wash blankets in May. I had never heard of it till the other day when my friend asked me about it. She wanted to wash a blanket and her mum said she should not do it in May. Does anyone know why its meant to be superstitious and/or where this came about. Many thanks

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I thought I was superstitious and knew quite a few things but I have never heard that one!

I know its unlucky to do washing on New years day and Good Friday but never blankets in May.

[pega]

 I don;t know where it comes from but I was brought up

not to wash a blanket in may the saying is wash a blanket in may and your'll wash someone away !

[woofgang]

I think the practicality is that if all you have is a washing line and no mangle, a blanket can take days if not a week or so to dry. If you only have one and the weather suddenly turns nasty again then you are faced with the option of sleepng in no blanket or a wet one!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Went off on a google search and sure enough pega is right

"Wash a blanket in May, you will wash one of the family away"

More concerning is "Those who bathe in May will soon be laid in clay!"  Sure would be a lot of smelly people about!

[rachaelersk]

many thanks for all your answers and opinions. R