Patron saints in viticulture (also "ice men" or dialectally "Eismander", in France Saints Glaces), or for the days from 12 to 15 May. On these days, dreaded cold spells with frost (late frost) and snow occur relatively often in Central Europe. Before the end of this period, nothing is usually planted in the garden and no cattle are driven to pasture. In the past, fires were also common to ward off the cold. The fact is that in mid-May, after nice mild days, there are once again strong cold air advances from the polar regions due to a high pressure system over Great Britain or Scandinavia. The air coming into Central Europe is then cold and dry and the daytime temperature hardly rises above 15 °Celsius. There is a particular danger of ground frost and freezing during the clear nights. Plants that are already in flower, such as vines or trees, can be severely damaged. From the middle of the month, the probability of this type of weather decreases again.
![]()
The wein.plus encyclopaedia is a comprehensive, well-researched reference work. Available anytime and anywhere, it has become an indispensable part of teaching, used by students and myself alike. Highly recommended!
Dominik Trick
Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg