Old Holy Rood Day

September 25& 26

Old Holy Rood Day, known as Mid-Autumn Day in theHighlands of Scotland, is traditionally the beginning of mating season fordeer. It is believed that whatever the weather is like in Scotland this daywill continue for 40 days thereafter.

This is also the traditional day for women and youngmaidens to gather St. Michael’s carrots. The root vegetable had to be taken ina special way by digging a triangular hole (the shape of St. Michael’s shield)with a three-pronged mattock. The carrots were then tied with three strands ofred thread and presented to male visitors on Michaelmas Day. Forked roots wereexceptionally lucky and a portent of marriage.