Alfred Austin:
(Headingley, Leeds, 30 May 1835 – Ashford, Kent, 2 June 1913).
English poet. He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1896, after his predecessor Alfred Tennyson died in 1892.
Pale January lay in its cradle day by day. Dead or living, hard to say.
“Dead or alive” indicates that the weather is unpredictable: it can be cold and bleak (dead) or mild and pleasant (alive). Origin: Folklore: This proverb originates from Dutch folk wisdom, and weather proverbs are often passed down through oral tradition. Weather proverbs like this one are intended to capture experiences and observations about the weather in poetic form. Author: Anonymous Origin: The exact author of this proverb is unknown. Many weather proverbs are anonymous and originated from collective wisdom across generations. Conclusion: This proverb reflects the typical weather conditions of January and emphasizes the uncertainty that often accompanies winter weather. It is a beautiful example of how folklore and language come together in Dutch culture.
