The Misunderstood Saying: ‘The Rain in Spain Stays Mainly in the Plain’

Many people are familiar with the famous line, “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain,” from the classic play and musical My Fair Lady. However, did you know that this saying is a product of a famous stage play and was never intended to be a factual statement about weather patterns in Spain? Let’s explore the origins and usage of this iconic phrase, and why it’s not as accurate as it might seem.

Origins of the Phrase

The phrase “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain” is most commonly associated with the stage musical My Fair Lady, which was based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. Professor Henry Higgins uses this phrase as a pronunciation exercise to help Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, learn to speak with an upper-class British accent. The saying has since become iconic, often referenced in popular culture, despite its inaccuracy when it comes to weather patterns in Spain. The phrase comes from a song in the musical and is meant to be both memorable and phonetically challenging for Eliza.

The Actual Weather in Spain

It's important to note that in reality, the climate in Spain is quite different from what the fictional saying suggests. While the play and musical are set in Spain, the climate varies significantly across different regions of the country. For instance, Seville, a popular city in southern Spain, experiences relatively little rain compared to other parts of the country. This led to a change in the lyrics for the Spanish version of the film, which was released in 1961. The lyrics were changed to “La lluvia en Sevilla es una maravilla,” which translates to “The rain in Seville is a wonder,” to better reflect the actual weather conditions in Seville.

Historical Context in Theatre

According to Wikipedia, the original line in the Shaw play was not included in the film adaptation, which was directed by Gabriel Pascal. However, the saying “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain” and the line “In Hereford mostly in the town” were already in use as phonetic exercises before the film adaptation. The inclusion of these lines in the final film and musical helped to enhance the phonetic learning experience for the audience and promote better pronunciation.

Usage in Real Life

Interestingly, the saying “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain” is not just a fictional creation; it is also used in real-life British grade schools as a teaching tool for pronunciation. Teachers use this phrase to help students master certain sounds and intonations in English. This practice highlights the importance of using context and memorable phrases in educational settings to enhance learning.

Shaw's original play Pygmalion mentions weather as one of the topics that Eliza is restricted to discuss during her lessons. However, there is no scene where Higgins directly teaches Eliza elocution. Instead, the play focuses on the transformation Eliza undergoes through the shaping and discipline imparted by Professor Higgins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain” is a catchy and memorable phrase that has transcended its original purpose in the play and has become an integral part of popular culture. While it serves a purpose in the context of learning and pronunciation, it is not a factual statement about Spain's weather. Understanding the context and history behind the phrase can provide a more nuanced appreciation of its use in both literature and education.

If you are interested in exploring more about the cultural significance and pedagogical use of such phrases, delve into reading about My Fair Lady, Pygmalion, and pronunciation exercises in educational settings.