The origins of many Scottish festivals, such as Beltane and Hallowe'en, lie deep in the pagan past, and although the significance of many festivals may now be long forgotten, they have continued to evolve and evolve to satisfy the needs of the time. Including extracts from prose, poetry and historical documents, this book is an enthralling journey through the year and the pageants, parades, festivals and fairs which have played a huge part in Scottish life. It introduces the customs, traditions, lore and crafts associated with them, making it the ideal companion for anyone interested in this fascinating and rich aspect of Scotland's cultural story.