May Bush

About this custom

Grandparents, parents and now myself and my siblings have always cut a branch off a “whin” bush (yellow furze) and decorated with bluebells on the evening of April 30th all ready for May fairies who leave sweets and money for the children. A tradition that is specific to our area in Cavan but other parts of Cavan would never have heard of May bush tradition.

It’s unusual though because my husband is from Mullahoran on the Cavan/Longford border and he would never have heard of any May traditions. I am a teacher in my old primary school in Ballyhaise and it is very endearing to see how many of the “native” families to Ballyhaise still carry out the tradition.

When does this take place?

Every year

Where does this take place?

At my home