Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

Shooting Stars

called in ancient legends the “fiery tears of St. Lawrence,” because one of the periodic swarms of these meteors is between the 9th and 14th of August, about the time of St. Lawrence's festival, which is one the 10th.

Shooting stars
are said by the Arabs to be firebrands hurled by the angels against the inquisitive Jinns or Genii, who are for ever clambering up on the constellations to peep into heaven.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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