In years gone by, numerous customs were observed to ensure that misfortune would not befall us and our loved ones. We may like to think that we live in a sophisticated age, but even in the 21st. century, many customs and superstitions linger on.
Different parts of the country have their own particular superstitions designed to bring good fortune, health and wealth to their house and occupants. Even outside the home certain things had to be done first. For example, to protect the house from witches a rowan tree had to be planted, and under no circumstances must hawthorn be brought into the house before May Day as it belonged to the Woodland God and would bring bad luck!