Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

St. Monday

A holiday observed by journeyman shoemakers and other inferior mechanics, and well-to-do merchants.

In the Journal of the Folk-lore Society, vol. i. p. 245, we read that, “While Cromwell's army lay encamped at Perth, one of his zealous partisans, named Monday, died, and Cromwell offered a reward for the best lines on his death. A shoemaker of Perth brought the following, which so pleased Cromwell that he not only gave the promised reward, but made also a decree that shoemakers should be allowed to make Monday a standing holiday.”

Blessed be the Sabbath Day,
And cursed be worldly pelf:
Tuesday will begin the week,
Since Monday's hanged himself.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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