Ice Saints or Frost Saints

Those saints whose days fall in what is called “the black-thorn winter”—that is, the second week in May (between 11 and 14). Some give only three days, but whether 11, 12, 13 or 12, 13, 14 is not agreed. May 11th is the day of St. Mamertus, May 12th of St. Pancratius, May 13th of St. Servatius, and May 14th of St. Boniface.

“Ces saincts passent pour saincts gresleurs, geleurs, et gateurs du bourgeon.”—Rabelais.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.