blackberry winter
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Blackberry Winter" names a late-spring cold snap that arrives when blackberry bushes bloom, often early to mid-May. It’s part of a folk calendar marking weather patterns.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
Everybody knows about 'Blackberry Winter' around here. It'll take out lots of stuff if you don't prepare. Pronunciation
[BLACK-ber-ee WIN-ter]
Meaning & Usage
- A brief cold spell in late spring during blackberry bloom (noun phrase)
Mae:
Cold this week!
Cold this week!
Earl:
Yep - it’s Blackberry Winter. Happens every year when the blooms come on.
Yep - it’s Blackberry Winter. Happens every year when the blooms come on.other spellings: late-spring cold snap, and one of the "little winters"
★ Blackberry Winter is one of several "little winters" recognized by Southern/Appalachian folk calendars. Others include Dogwood Winter, Redbud Winter, and Whippoorwill Winter. ★
Origin
Rooted in Southern/Appalachian folk weather lore. Farmers noticed a cold snap during blackberry bloom and named it "Blackberry Winter," blending natural observation with seasonal timing.
Notes
Still a common term among older rural residents and in local newspapers or almanacs. Rare outside the South, though some Midwesterners recognize it from folk tradition.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "black-berry winter."