Matthew

Feastday 21 september

(1st century) The publican became patron of tax officials. It is clear however that he was not popular with the common folk. His mausoleum is visited more by tourists than by pilgrims. Jesus made him one of the 12 apostles, but he filled his roll in a vague margin. The rest of his life is also unclear. Matthew could have preached in Ethiopia, and there died a martyr. Possibly with a sword, but a spear is mentioned also. He might have written the first of the four gospels. But that is also unclear. He descended from 80 AD. And what’s more, from his writings it seems that he was never a witness. They say that his gospel came from the Syrian Jewish-Christian community. He is depicted with a angel, a pen and inkpot, a bag with money, lance, sword, spear, axe, winged man, young man, king, apostle on bare feet. Patron of bankers, customs officers, bookkeepers. The feast day of Matthew was considered by farmers as the beginning of winter and very important for the weather. On the night of his feast day young girls could tell with whom she was going to marry and when, by letting little pieces of paper float in the water. Also holy water is partly attributed to Matthew.

Matthew weather sayings

Bad weather on Saint-Matthew Our noses will turn blue

Is the weather with Matthew clear It forecasts could weather for the coming year

Matthew storm and wind Winter at Easter also find

Saint-Matthew cold and chilly Makes the grapes bitter and acidy

Is it with Matthew clear That is good for the coming year

Is it with Matthew clear Forecasts good harvest the next year

On Matthew wind and storm Easter might not be warm

Even if Matthew is rejoicing The winter is not long in coming

When one lets the Ram among the sheep on Saint-Matthew day

then we'll have lamb on Mary Purification day