Saint Flannel

Augustus Flannel, born circa 1680, was a Benedictine Monk who traveled Northern Europe and became known for bringing warmth, in the form of flannel blankets, to the local poor.

 

His selfless quest for patrons to provide sources for his beloved flannel earned him Sainthood several decades after his death, when his devotion to warming the poor was recognized by popular acclamation by the people of his region.

 

In the early part of the 19th century, he was granted an official Saint's Day, which is November 15th in Northern Europe, and all of the Northern Hemisphere.  This day roughly corresponds with the beginning of the coldest part of the year in these regions. 

 

In celebration of Saint Flannel's Day, people often remove their regular cotton sheets for the winter and replace them with their favorite flannel sheets and blankets.

 

It is also customary in parts of Northern Europe for young adolescents to try their hand at changing the sheets themselves, without adult help.  If they perform this task correctly, then legend has it that Saint Flannel will deliver a small gift at the foot of their bed while they slumber peacefully.