Borrowed Days

Chapter 11

Have you ever heard of Borrowed Days? How in heaven could a day be borrowed?

Well, the origin of this custom lies in Scottish and Irish folklore.

“Borrowing Days,” or “Borrowed Days.” are the last three days of March, and are thought to be unusually stormy and cold. The story goes that, allegedly, March borrowed three days from April in order to extend its influence over the last of the spring weather (i.e. the strong winds of March). April would then bring heavy rainfall and showers. Therefore, March wanted a higher influence and stronger winds, which it needed more days to do.

Here's an excerpt from the internet telling the sad story of quite an unfortunate cow:

"The last day of March and the first two days of April are said to be the borrowing days. One time, an old cow got it very hard to live during the winter months. When March came, it said it would skin the old cow. She lived during the month of March, and when the last day of March came, the cow began jumping and throwing her heels in the air. March borrowed three days from April, and they were so cold that the old cow died."

What’s strange is that there’s also a Spanish folktale that explains Borrowed Days too! This folktale states that a shepherd once promised March a fresh lamb if he reduced the strength of his winds. However, once March had done so, the shepherd didn’t keep his bargain and refused to hand over the lamb. March hence borrowed three days from April to blow fierce winds to punish the shepherd. And that’s why you should keep your promises, kids!

Either way, be careful during the 29th, 30th, and 31st of March, for these Borrowed Days are said to be exceptionally stormy and heavy. It is also said to feel more like April weather.

Take your coat wherever you go, and I hope you had not-too-bad Borrowed Days!

Written by Sara Rowan.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.