Rowan crosses on Roodmas Eve

2 May · Aberdeenshire

Lore and belief

On 2 May, the eve of the Invention of the Holy Cross, people in Aberdeenshire made crosses of rowan twigs and set them over their doors and windows. The crosses were meant to keep out evil spirits. Dyer had it from Notes and Queries.

it is customary in Aberdeenshire to form crosses of twigs of the rowan-tree and to place them over the doors and windows as a protection against evil spirits.

From Dyer's British Popular Customs, p. 275. Read the original

Get a copy: Amazon · Bookshop.org · AbeBooks

We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links.

Also on this day

Questions and comments