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.
5. Hunt the Gowk (April Fool’s Day) – April 1
Hunt the Gowk – or April’s Gowk – is the Scottish equivalent to April Fool’s Day. Much like the tradition which is observed now, the celebration would see people tell lies and play tricks on one another, such as sending people on foolish errands. The term “Huntigowk” is said to mean “hunt the cuckoo” or “hunt the foolish person” in Scots. Photo: via WikiCommons (1826)
6. Preen-tail (Tailie) Day – April 2
Formerly celebrated in Scotland on the day after April Fool’s, this was a second day of joking which would see paper tails attached to people’s backs as a joke. Also known as Tailie Day, the tails often included a message and it is believed that the “Kick Me” sign prank can be traced back to this event, which is known to have been celebrated in Kirkcaldy and Kirkwall. Photo: via WikiCommons
7. Unlucky Cuckoo
Omens used to determine misery and suffering or fortune and luck for the year ahead were particularly rife in the Scottish Highlands and Islands during Spring. It was once thought to be unlucky if you heard the first call of a cuckoo bird prior to eating breakfast and some even slept with a portion of bread beneath their pillow to preemptively eat and avoid the misfortune. | Nick Edge - stock.adobe.com
8. Imbolc & St Bride’s Day – February
Traditionally in Scotland the beginning of February marked the traditional Celtic festival of Imbolc, which is also known as St Bride’s Day, which marks the beginning of Spring. In Christianity it is the feast day of Saint Brigid and historically the festival was observed throughout Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Believed to be a pre-Christian tradition it is often associated with Spring, the lambing season and the Pagan goddess Brigid. In Barra there was a custom of making a straw Bride’s Bed and inviting the Saint inside where she will bring luck for the coming year. There were also other traditions practiced on February 1 around the country, such as weaving a Saint Brigid’s cross and more. | Momoko - stock.adobe.com