Why do we throw a coin in the River Tay or the River Forth “for luck ?“ The origin and significance of many of our customs, superstitions and sayings are now unknown to us. Even such things as guising, dookin’ for apples, washing our faces in May dew, bonfires and turnip—lanterns, these are not merely games or frolics; they are relics of ancient rites.

The truth is, we are still very much encompassed by the customs of the ancient past. These are many and strange, they begin with our birth and end only with death and burial. The curious customs associated with weddings, especially the weddings of fisher and country folk, would need a web site to themselves!

Besides which, we still have our lucky charms, our silver coins, our white heather. We no longer venerate the oak, like the Druids, as the symbol of the Supreme Power, whose spirit emanated in the mistletoe fruit. But mistletoe berries still play a prominent part in the festive fun of Hogmanay.

We no longer believe that Sir John’s Wort (St. Columba’s axillary flower, and often used in Midsummer Eve celebrations) will ward off the fairies, but now believe it will ward off depression. The rowan-tree (a protection against witches) still grows alongside many a cottage door, as well as alongside many ancient sites of pagan worship. You see, the past is inextricably bound up with the present.

Superstitions survive in our most modern communities. Think of the number thirteen, fear of going under ladders, looking at the new moon through glass, black cats, bringing hawthorn or wild cherry blossom into the house, spilling salt.

As we have ourselves witnessed in modern politics and war, the “magical powers” of a leader can still be impressed on the mass of the people by ritual performance and symbols. So it looks as if the magical attitude in human affairs is far from dying out.

We may no longer worship the sun, but sun-worship is not entirely forgotten. We may not venerate our river gods, but when we open the salmon-fishing season by breaking a bottle of whisky over the bow of a boat, are we not endeavouring (with this great sacrifice!) to solicit the favour of Tatha, the ancient goddess of our greatest river?

Fife Folklore

Who was the most evil Fifer of all time? How did a dead horse kill a king? What happened when a Dunfermline housewife argued with a witch? Where could the ‘funeral of ghosts’ be seen? Who were the Pechs? Why did brides live in terror of a castle owner?

These are just some of the many questions answered in “Strange Tales of Bygone Fife”. This is a web reprint of the most interesting stories from “County Folklore: Fife” by John Simpkins which was published by the Folklore Society in 1912.

The web pages of this site are packed with many spine-chilling and unusual yarns. You can find out about: the horror happenings after some old bones were left in a Burntisland house; the monster baby who became a saint; the dead woman who came back to life; the witch that wouldn’t die at the stake; a church steeple’s grim secret; a piper who couldn’t stop playing and the family who couldn’t stop dancing; the death curse on a castle’s owners; the dinner party where phantoms were the guests; and so on.

Old customs and superstitions are examined. We are told that fishermen would never dream of lending salt to their neighbours —why?; That the clothes of a new born baby were always passed through the smoke of a fire —why?; That the Isle of May had a special place in the hearts of women who couldn’t have babies — why?; That St. Monans folk hated and feared the humble pig — why? For all the answers and the key to the magical mysteries of this ancient kingdom — read on!