Its Raining Cats and Dogs
According to Richard Lederer, in England in the 1500's, when it was raining hard the streets
were like rivers. So the peoplewere known to throw their dead cat's and dog's into the street to wash away. This is the literal explanation during the middle ages why its raining cats and dogs.
Also back then, the houses had thatched roofs and the animals would seek shelter there. They went there to stay warm and dry, but when it rained they came sliding off the roof. That is also where it's raining cat's and dog's came from. Back in the dark ages, cats were veiwed to be associated with storms, especially the Norse storm.The black cat was connected to witches. Dogs were associated with winds because of the howling. During this era, most explanations delt with death. The orgin of this phrase is still not fully documended.
5 comments:
Very good idiom, that is disgusting way to get rid of their dead animals.
I have heard that saying many times and to know were it came form is interesting.
I HAVE HEARD THAT SAYING MANY TIMES ALSO AND IT IS NICE TO KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM AND IT APPALLS ME TO THINK PEOPLE THREW ANIMAL CARCASSES JUST ANYWHERE. YOU WOULD THINK THAT IT WOULD CAUSE DISEASE.
Good research, it is a very interesting topic b/c it is a phrase that is commonly used but noone really knows what it means
I have always heard people comment that it was raining cats and dogs when we got alot of rain. It was very interesting to hear where the phrase came from.
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