Shane Quinn, author of the captivating children’s book
The Fairy Island: Stories and Legends of Ireland’s Overlooked Myths
, featuring illustrations by Dermot Flynn, delves into why the month of May holds significant importance in various traditions and ceremonies that still echo through our contemporary culture…
REGARDLESS of whether you believe in fairies or not, there’s no question that the conviction regarding their existence and influence fueled numerous Irish superstitions, customs, and ceremonies such as lighting bonfires, tapping on wood, and adorning oneself with daisy chains come May Day.
Many traditions and ceremonies involving the faerie folk originated as ways to attract good fortune, maintain well-being, and ensure safety. Even though we frequently approach these tales with a lighthearted attitude, the importance of Ireland’s fairy beings and their associated legends forms an integral part of our heritage.
Regarding cultural aspects, the revival of Bealtaine celebrations and the traditions associated with it are experiencing a comeback, which includes the establishment of the Bealtaine Festival.
The beginning of summer brought about significant festivities, yet it was also a period when one needed to be particularly wary of the ‘good folks’, the fairies.
Have you ever pondered why our forefathers constructed bonfires, adorned hawthorn trees, and made Babóg na Bealtinne (May baby) to protect wells?
The primary motivation was protection—a common driver behind many supernatural beliefs! People sought safeguards for themselves and their dear ones from malevolent faerie activities. The belief in Irish fairies was extremely potent, leading folks to think that at specific points during the year, the barrier separating both realms vanished, allowing fairies to roam freely among humanity, occasionally masquerading as regular human beings.
The beginnings of seasons, particularly summer and winter, along with festivals like Bealtaine (on May 1st) and Samhain (on November 1st), were considered transitional periods during which fairies were believed to be more prone to crossing into our realm. Specifically, the nights preceding these events—known as Oíche Bealtaine and Oíche Shamhna (also referred to as Halloween)—were seen as times when such mystical beings would become highly active; they could engage in mischievous behavior or even outright malice.
Read more:
Halloween: An Exciting Samhain Tale for Children from Irish Folklore
Constructing bonfires was integral to the summer celebration. The term Bealtaine originates from Ireland and refers to the month of May. It is believed that the word signifies ‘brilliant fire,’ derived from the massive blazes ignited to mark the beginning of summer.
Some think it means ‘Baal tine’ (‘Baal’s fire’ in Irish), a flame ignited in honor of Baal, the ancient pagan deity associated with the sun. It was thought that fire served as a powerful cleanser, brought good fortune, and had the ability to fend off malevolent forces, besides signaling the arrival of a new season.
In a ritual known as idir dhá thine Bhealtaine, ‘between the two fires of May’, cattle were driven through two bonfires to ensure good health, before being moved to new pastures. People danced around the bonfires, believing the flames and smoke were sacred. Some danced three times around the fire to prevent being snatched by the good people.
Many dolls were made using straw and adorned with wildflowers and ribbons, then carried during the procession on Beltane’s Eve. These dolls were secured to poles to protect wells, ensuring that solely locals could collect water from them the next day. Drawing water on May 1st was believed to provide defense against malevolent spirits.
In a ritual known as idir dhá thine Bhealtaine, ‘between the two fires of May’, cattle were driven through two bonfires to ensure good health, before being moved to new pastures
In this transitional period, on the eve beforehand, youngsters were cautioned against sleeping outdoors due to concerns about coming across fairies. If encountered, the mischievous fairies might manifest themselves like the púca, also known as ‘pooka.’ These creatures enjoyed playing pranks; for instance, they could saddle a young individual on their back for an unexpected ride or lead them astray after a night filled with festivities.
In the direst scenarios, certain individuals thought that malevolent dark faeries could breach our realm to abduct humans and drag them into their own dimension. To prevent such occurrences, folks adorned themselves with daisy chains or kept gold coins close at hand as protective charms against these faery kidnappings. Should someone get seized, typically they were either lured to participate in an enchanted dance within the faery kingdom or compelled to assist the fae folk in various tasks.
Should a youth be abducted and taken to a faerie gathering, they understood the importance of declining any nourishment or libations; failing which could result in them being trapped in that domain indefinitely. It was common for tales to tell of young men vanishing into the mystical realms without ever coming back.
Certain stories suggest they were abducted due to their strength, whereas some say it was because of their attractive appearance. To avoid being seized by the ‘fair folk,’ one could protect themselves by dancing near a bonfire or adorning themselves with floral wreaths.
Once upon a time, the conviction about fairy kidnappings was so intense that individuals would occasionally feign being abducted by fairies, only to come back after several years. Such incidents were referred to as ‘fairy scams’ and were frequently employed as an escape from imminent danger or deceitful promises. Numerous legal proceedings included such scams.
However, if your heart truly yearned for an audience with a tree fairy, legend suggested that slumbering beneath an oak or hawthorn tree on the eve of Beltane could bring forth encounters with an Oakshee or Skeaghshee. Yet, one absolute rule remained: do not pluck hawthorn blossoms! To remain within the graces of these woodland spirits, lightly tapping or knocking on a tree trunk was thought to be crucial as a sign of reverence.
The belief in fairy abductions was so widespread that individuals occasionally claimed to have been kidnapped by fairies, only to come back after several years. Such incidents were referred to as ‘fairy scams’ and were frequently employed as an escape from imminent danger or deceitful promises. Several legal proceedings took place regarding these scams.
At other times of the year, faeries are said to be visible only to people who possess ‘second sight’ (the ability to see into the future). People who can communicate with the ‘good people’ are called síofraí, which translates as ‘in the faeries’.
If you’re not among those who regularly engage with them, discussing fairies excessively or trying to locate them is thought to bring misfortune. Should they wish to connect with humans, they’ll make themselves known! Therefore, leading up to Beltane, go ahead and nap beneath trees and adorn yourself with daisy garlands, yet avoid provoking the fairy folk at all costs.
“The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Hidden Lore” by Síne Quinn with illustrations by Dermot Flynn is released by Walker Books.
Leave a Reply