Ireland's May Day traditions: Welcoming summer with wild flowers and ancient Bealtine customs

May is immersed in traditions relating to nature, growth and the outdoors in general. More than anything else, perhaps, it’s when we welcome summer

People in West Cork placed long leaves of yellow, wild iris (known as 'flaggers') on doorsteps, window wills and kitchen furniture. On Cape Clear, bunches of flaggers were put into fishing boats for luck. Picture: iStock

One of our most cherished May customs must be the picking and bringing home of fresh wild flowers; so beautiful in its simplicity. A tradition of setting up May altars, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, continues in homes and schools.

With many people’s favourite month upon us, daisies, bluebells and buttercups speckle the landscape, a reminder of childhood days when we joyfully presented bunches of such flowers to our mothers and teachers for altars.