In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Redbud Winter" names an early spring cold snap that arrives when redbud trees bloom, usually late March or early April. It’s one of the first folk "little winters" marking seasonal shifts.
'Redbud Winter' is the first little winter that shows up right at the beginning of Spring.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Redbud Winter' is the first little winter that shows up right at the beginning of Spring.
Pronunciation
[RED-bud WIN-ter]
Meaning & Usage
- An early spring cold spell during redbud bloom (noun phrase)
Talking about the weather
Mae:
Cold again - but the redbuds are out!
Earl:
Yep - it’s Redbud Winter. Don’t plant your beans yet.
variations: early-spring cold snap, one of the "little winters"
★ Redbud Winter is often the first "little winter" of the year in Southern/Appalachian folk weather lore, followed by Dogwood Winter and Blackberry Winter. ★
Origin and Etymology
Rooted in Southern/Appalachian tradition. Farmers noticed an early cold snap during redbud bloom and named it "Redbud Winter," using it as a planting signal.
Usage Notes
Still common in older rural communities and in local almanacs. Rare outside the South except where similar folk terms persist. Signals "not time to plant tender crops yet."
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'Redbud Winter' is the first little winter that shows up right at the beginning of Spring.