Exploring the Food-Related Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bealtaine (May Day) within the Irish Folklore Commission’s Schools’ Collection Digital Archive

Abstract

: In 1937-1938, the Irish Folklore Commission ran the Schools’ Collection Folklore Project, where 50,000 schoolchildren became folklore collectors. This paper argues for a better understanding of Irish food as intangible cultural heritage, and champions the application of a food perspective among Irish studies scholars. Using the online digitised Schools’ Folklore Collection (dúchas.ie), this paper explores food traditions associated with Bealtaine or May Day, one of the four quarter days of the Irish calendar year. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper finally champions the growing digitisation of archives for broader global accessibility.