The source appears to be the passing of the comet Tempel-Tuttle around Novemeber 17th each year.
In 1366 AD, their appearance was believed by the Portuguese to signal the end of the world. In 902 AD, Chinese astronomers noted that the "stars fell like rain", and the Egyptians declared the year to be a "year of stars". The source appears to be the passing of the comet Tempel-Tuttle around Novemeber 17th each year. FTP, name this meteor shower appearing to originate in the constellation of Leo.
In 1366 AD, their appearance was believed by the Portuguese to signal the end of the world.
the Leonid meteor shower