Flitting Day, May 25, Scotland

From http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/book/may25.html The day in the past on which Scottish people mostly changed their residences. Leases were generally for twelve months, and the Scottish people were inclined to move quite often, typically every May 25. "Whether the restless disposition has arisen from the short leases, or the short leases have been a result of the restless disposition, is immaterial." – Folklorist Robert Chambers.

The landlord would come on Candlemas (February 2) and ask the tenants if they wanted to stay after Flitting Day - whether the family will flit, or sit, in Scottish parlance. If not, he would start advertising. The tenant would have to move out by midday on May 25.

Categories: calendar-customs, scotland, folklore