Superstitions: Ireland & Scotland: It is considered dangerous to give fire from one’s home on May Day. (3)
Bannoch Bealtainn: Scotland: This is an oatmeal cake with square knobs that is baked over the Bealtaine fire. Nowadays it is baked on May Day and marked with a cross on the side. The bannocks are rolled down the hillside by children. If the bannock lands at the bottom with the cross down it is a sign of bad luck. (3)
May Day Drink: Wales: According to Emma Mary Thomas the drink consists of metheglin or mead alone, but frequently it was made of herbs, including woodruff. Elderberry and rhubarb wines are popular, while among the men beers of various kinds are/were used.
Primroses: Ireland: Yellow primroses are scattered before the door for protection from spirits. In Wales hawthorn is used. (1)
![[Christine O’Keeffe’s May Day Customs]](../banners/maycus.gif){kind=small}
