Note 190 — PART III.[181]

The third of May, when many superstitious observances were made. The first of May was Beltane, and has been traced to the fire-worship of the ancient Caledonians. Rood-day superstitions, however, were of more recent origin. Great precautions were taken against the power of witches and fairies, and if these should be neglected ill-luck would follow. Jamieson, in his Dictionary of the Scottish Language, under the word ‘Rude-day,’ gives a most interesting account of the ceremonies gone through on the yearly return of the festival.