The custom of the maiden sheaf, the last sheaf of harvest.
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1964.18.A1
Original Tape ID
Summary
The custom of the maiden sheaf, the last sheaf of harvest.
The youngest girl on the harvest field cut the last sheaf and carried it home. A celebration took place at the end of harvest, with eating, drinking, music, and sometimes dancing in the farm kitchen. The last or maiden sheaf, known as A' Mhaighdean Bhuana, was tied with ribbon. It was given to the horses to eat the following year when the first load of the harvest was brought in. Now William Forbes gives it to the cows, because he no longer has any horses. Very few people now [1964] carry out the custom of the last sheaf.
Recording Location
County - Perthshire
Item Location
County - Perthshire
Parish - Dull
Village/Place - Camserney
Language
English
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good