And Then There Was Struan

On the eve of the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, also called Michaelmas, a wonderful custom used to take place in western Scotland. Each family member baked breads called Struan Micheil, which were made of all the various grains harvested during the year. Usually the eldest daughter, under the watchful eye of her mother, baked the breads. Large Struans were made for the community and small ones for each family member. In remembrance of absent friends or those who had died, special Struans blessed at an early morning Mass were given to the poor in their names. Everyone then chanted an invocation to Saint Michael, the guardian of the harvest, and in praise of God for His ever-present blessing.