just for fun!

[red armada]

what is meant by the old lancashire phrase"nair cast a clout,until may is out? interested to see the responses.

[lafrancaise]

When I was a kid it meant don't take your cardie off until it's June. Has it changed?

[vicalncraig]

Keep your winter clothes on until June 1st.....don't expect long summer days until then

[shaneystar2]

I always thought it was until the May blossom was out in bloom.
We say ...Ne'er cast a clout 'til May be out.

[B00]

Dont take ya string vest off till May's out the way!

[helliebobs]

And it's not solely a Lanky phrase either.

[sddsddean]

Agree with shaney; its not the month of May, but may blossom.

[spudqueen]

Yes it is blossom and a vest!

[Lonnie]

As helliebobs says, its not a Lancashire saying, probably not even British, no-one knows the origin, but there's a distinct possibility it may be a German saying, However, another one for you.

If Oak is out before the Ash, you'll only get a splash, but, if Ash is out, before the Oak, you can expect a soak.

[polo_tottie]

hmm..... I'm only guessing here, but if the oak is out in leaf before the ash it means that the season/year ahead won't be particularly rainy, but if the ash is in leaf before the oak, it will be very wet and rainy?

[Dolly1308]

I would have thought it was a Lancashire saying because is not the word "clout " a Northern word for clothes ?