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Why Bannocks for Beltane?

Spring is here and it’s time for bannocks! The warm weather, green grass, and blooming flowers are a welcome sight. We have finally made it through another cold, dark winter. Spring and summer are times to celebrate the bounty of the earth, to give thanks for what we have and all that we will receive in the coming months. One of my favorite ways to reconnect with nature is by baking bannocks for Beltane.

What is Beltane?

Beltane is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of summer. It is celebrated on May 1st, halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Beltane traditionally marked the time when flocks were driven to their summer grazing lands and would not return until autumn/winter. For our ancestors, this was an extremely important time of year as they relied on their herds for survival throughout the long winter months.

As I bake bannocks now, I think back on their journey and am reminded why celebrating Beltane is so important to help us to remember and connect to the spirit of our ancestors.

Since the old days, Beltane bannocks have been a popular custom in parts of Scotland. It’s said that if you eat one on the morning of Beltane (May Day), you’ll be guaranteed abundance for your crops and livestock.

Traditionally, the bannock is made with animal fat (such as goose fat or bacon grease), and it is placed in a pile of embers, on top of a stone, to cook in the fire. Once balckened on both sides it would be eaten with eggs and milk. For the recipe I’m sharing today. a substitution of butter is used instead of animal fat, but you could certainly use bacon fat if desired.

Beltane Bannocks Morning Ritual

Eating bannocks on Beltane morning involved a simple folk magic ritual of sorts. The bannock would be separated into nine pieces and each would represent something that would preserve a herdsmen’s livestock or perhaps lead to the destruction of some wild animal: a fox, a wolf, a boar, etc. The person performing the ritual would hold one piece in his hand with their back to the fire whilst asking for the protection of their livestock. They would then toss each of the nine pieces over their shoulder into the fire while reciting a rhyme of protection.

Why practice old Customs?

In many ways, the Beltane celebration is about renewing and strengthening our relationship with the earth, where so much of our energy comes from. From our crops to the animals we raise, it is all intimately interconnected with our environment; a fact that we too often forget in recent times. One of the great things about practices like the bannock custom is that they help us to remember this interconnectedness and reinforces what we already know – that everyone and everything relies on others for some aspect of their livelihood.

Whether you celebrate Beltane or not, these bannocks are sure to be delicious. I felt that this was the perfect place to share the recipe for a tradition with such deep roots in our past. Enjoy the bannocks, and may they bring you abundance and prosperity in the coming year!

Ingredients for Magical Beltane Bannocks

What I love about this bannocks recipe is that the ingredients are humble, yet when combined, they create something truly magical—much like Beltane itself.

Oat Flour: First up is oat flour, a nod to the ancient grains that have sustained our ancestors for generations. Oats are not just filling; they’re also rich in nutrients and fiber. Plus, they carry the energy of the earth, grounding us as we celebrate the fertility of the season.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bannocks their structure. It’s the backbone of many a baked good, and in this recipe, it complements the oat flour beautifully. It’s like the canvas upon which we paint our Beltane celebrations—versatile and accommodating.
Baking Powder: Ah, the alchemy of baking! Baking powder is what gives our bannocks their lift, making them fluffy and irresistible. It’s like the spark of life in our Beltane festivities, elevating everything it touches.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt enhances all the other flavors, reminding us to savor each moment of this precious season. Salt is also a purifier, cleansing our palate and our spirit as we welcome the abundant energies of Beltane.
Butter: Butter adds richness and depth, making our bannocks indulgent and satisfying. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug from the universe, enveloping us in comfort and joy.
Water: Last but not least, water—the essence of life itself. It binds our ingredients together, just as Beltane unites us in celebration of life’s most primal forces.

So there you have it, the simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. As you mix and knead, pour and bake, may you infuse these bannocks with your own Beltane blessings. After all, the most magical ingredient is the intention you bring to your cooking.

What do you think? Ready to give this Beltane bannocks recipe a try? 🌿✨