10 Unique Superstitions the Scottish Still Believe

Scottish superstitions reveal fascinating aspects of culture. If a mirror breaks or a black cat crosses your path, you may relate to these beliefs. Many superstitions can trace their origins to Scotland. Historically, Scotland’s tie to witchcraft from the 15th to 18th centuries influenced such traditions. Additionally, the mythical Loch Ness monster adds to the intrigue of these beliefs. Here are ten superstitions still observed in Scotland today.

First-Footing

First-footing is a common Scottish tradition on Hogmanay. The rituals begin once the clock strikes midnight. The key belief is that the first person entering a home must be a tall, dark man who arrives bearing gifts. Acceptable gifts include salt, whisky, shortbread, coal, and a black bun. Any visitor who does not fit this description, especially a blond man carrying an axe, leads to bad luck. After the first-footing, guests of either gender and any appearance are welcome to join in celebrating the night.

May Morning Dew

Each May 1st, Scottish women seek the rejuvenating effects of May dew. This custom finds its roots in the ancient druidic festival of Beltane. Pagans celebrated the sun with bonfires to ensure abundant harvests. Druids regarded May dew as "holy water," believed to bestow beauty, vitality, and good fortune. In recent decades, this tradition has decreased, partly due to modern skincare products. Nevertheless, some women still honor the tradition by washing their faces with morning dew in hopes of enhancing their complexions.

White Heather

While purple heather is more recognizable, white heather is deemed a symbol of good luck. Typically, grooms wear it as a boutonniere on their wedding day. Its origins lie in the poignant tale of Malvina and Oscar. After learning of Oscar’s death in battle, Malvina weeps over purple heather. Her tears transformed the blossoms to white. Upon this act, she proclaimed that the white heather would herald good fortune for its finders.

Handselling

The tradition of "handselling" involves placing a piece of silver in the palm of a newborn for prosperity. This custom aims to ensure the child’s future wealth. The baby's reaction to the silver predicts financial behavior. A firm grasp indicates caution with money, while dropping it suggests a tendency to spend freely.

Black Sheep

The phrase "black sheep of the family" stems from an old superstition among Scottish farmers. In Scottish culture, the color black is often connected with misfortune. Thus, a black lamb among a flock predicts doom for the others. Moreover, if a sheep delivers twins with black faces, farmers believe it foreshadows poor lambing seasons.

Guising

The practice of guising has Celtic roots linked to the Samhain festival. During this time, spirits reportedly cross into our world more easily. Hence, people began disguising themselves to elude unwanted spirits. To appease these ethereal beings, they offered food, which mirrors modern trick-or-treat customs during Halloween.

Baby

Numerous superstitions dotted Scottish childbirth beliefs, stemming from threats to maternal life. Until the 1950s, midwives, known as "Howdies," facilitated childbirth in homes and performed rituals. Part of these rituals included unlocking doors and windows. They also ensured that no one sat with crossed arms or legs to help ease delivery.

Rowan Trees

Planting a rowan tree has significance in Scottish folklore as a means of warding off evil forces. Celts held the rowan sacred for protection against mischievous spirits and "the Evil Eye." Earlier, midwives used rowan berries in herbal remedies believed to safeguard unborn children.

Shoes on the Table

In Scottish culture, placing shoes on a table is frowned upon, linked to historical customs. The tradition began after a miner's death when their boots were laid on the table as a tribute. Over time, it became believed that alive shoes on a table would bring misfortune to the home. This superstition eventually spread throughout Scotland.

Fishing

Fishing communities in the Outer Hebrides and East Neuk follow strict fishing beliefs. For instance, if a fisherman encounters a minister or a ginger-haired girl, it is deemed an ill omen, discouraging fishing that day. Mentioning pigs or rabbits is taboo on fishing boats, linked to unfortunate outcomes. Fishermen may refer to these animals as "curly tail" or "bob tail" objects instead. Salmon, known as "reid fish," is especially feared, said to be a sacred creature in Celtic practices.

Earlier, SSP told why we knock on wood for luck.