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.
9. Big Porridge Day (Là Bhrochain Mhòir) – The Thursday before Easter
No longer observed, Big Porridge Day was a custom which emerged from Iona and the Western Isles. When little came ashore during the Winter months, locals would make a large portion of porridge with butter and other rich ingredients which would then be tipped into the sea to draw valuable seaweed ashore. Only resorted to in late Spring – typically the Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) – the intent of sending the fruit of the land into the sea was so “the fruit of the sea would come to land” according to John Gregorson Campbell, the author of 2005’s The Gaelic Otherworld. | Getty Images / Canva