Our ancestors would welcome the changing of the season on the Spring equinox – also known as Alban Eiler or “Light of the Earth” – which typically takes place between March 19 to 23. It was an important day among ancient Druids, as it was said to mark a time of rare balance among nature.
Celebrations such as these are also why there are a number of superstitions and traditions in Scotland which are linked to the Spring season.
While some are still celebrated to this day, though perhaps under different names such as April Fool’s which was known as Hunt the Gowk, some have been lost to time.
Whether they are still observed or have been long forgotten, here are 9 ancient traditions and folklore tales from Spring in Scotland.
1. Beltane (Latha Bealltainn) – May 1
Traditionally observed on May 1, Beltane was one of four quarter day festivals which saw communities come together to celebrate the return of Summer. Said to be the midpoint between the Vernal Equinox and the Summer Solstice, ancient Celts would light two bonfires, which were believed to have healing and purification qualities, in celebration of the land’s fertility returning once more. While it isn’t entirely the same, the tradition is still celebrated to this day with the annual Beltane Fire Festival taking place in Edinburgh each year. | Getty Images
2. Spring Struggle (Vore Tullye) – March
The legend of the Sea Mither and Teran is an ancient folktale which originated in the Orkney Isles. The Sea Mither is said to be a friendly sea spirit who watched over the waters in the summer months, while her nemesis, Teran, was the spirit of winter who caused devastating storms and rough seas. As the seasons change in March, each year the spirits would clash in a fierce battle – known as the Vore Tullye, or the Spring struggle – which would last for weeks before the Sea Mither would ultimately rise and banish Teran to the depths of the ocean until the Autumn Equinox when he would break free once more. | Scott - stock.adobe.com
3. Saining Straw
An ancient Scottish ritual which is said to use straw, water and iron, to remove negative influences and bring luck to an area and its inhabitants, Saining Straw – known as sop seile (wisp of straw) in Gaelic – would see people take a wisp of straw and deposit water drops which came into contact with previous metals around homes, horses, harnesses, ploughs and more to herald good fortune for the season ahead. | Roman Krochuk - stock.adobe.com
4. Latha na Cailleach – March 25
Latha na Cailliche is a tradition which appears throughout history, though there is little known about its origins or customs associated with it. Also known as Lady Day – a religious holiday – or the Day of the Old Woman, it falls on March 25. In Scotland Caileach means old old woman or hag, with some sources referring to the holiday in relation to Beira the Queen of Winter who is said to have shaped Scotland’s mountains and Munros in folklore. Other aspects of lore surrounding Latha na Cailleach see it as a period which would help determine when it would be best to plant certain crops or take to the seas more safely. | Jp - stock.adobe.com