Historically, the most important festivals in Scotland were held on quarter days. These days roughly marked the mid-points between the solstices and equinoxes.

For example, Samhuinn(which later became Hallowmas or Hallowe’en), sits approximately midway between the autumn equinox and winter solstice. The other important days were Oimelc or Imbolic (St. Bride’s Day), Bealltan (Beltane or May Day), and Lugnassad (Lammas).

During these days, the veil between our world and the other world was said to be at it’s thinnest (though even more so for Samhuinn). On the eve of them, fairies are said to race between fairy mounds. On the quarter day is when the power of magical rites would be strongest.

While it may seem like witchcraft now, rites preformed during quarter days were often done for the purpose of keeping away evil spirts, fairies, and witchcraft. These acts are also called “Saining.” Saining is both a practice to bestow protection on an object, person, or animal, and also a way to cleanse something. It is not a practice restricted to a quarter day, it is simply that the practice was said to be at its strongest on those days.

“The fair folk” were most covetous of new-born children and their mothers. Till the mothers were “sained” and churched, and the children were baptized, the most strict watch and ward had to be kept over them to keep them from being stolen." Folklore of the North East of Scotland by Walter Gregor (1881)

There are practices that were for specific quarter days, but also some that were common to all. For example, a farmer might try to steal a farmers success by collecting dew from that farmers field, while that successful farmer might get up before sunrise to have their animals drink silvered water (water with a silver coin) to protect the animals from the before mentioned act and evil.

Another common theme was the need-fire. This fire is why these quarter days are also often called “fire festivals.” People would put out the fire in their houses, then one would be created with friction between two sticks.

"The ritual kindling of the need-fire was one of the main ceremonies at the great fire-festivals. It was the most potent of all charms to circumvent the powers of darkness, and was resorted torn any immanent or actual calamity, or to ensure success in any important undertaking." The Silver Bough: Volume 1  by F. Marian McNeill (1957-1968)

None of these were seen as witchcraft, but rather as protection from it and other evils.

Another important part of all the quarter days were Quarter Cakes. These cakes were a type of bannock(often made with oatmeal), and while bannock could be eaten on any day, Quarter Cakes were made specifically for the quarter day in mind.

Most commonly, they were made with oatmeal, but that could be because it was more commonly available than wheat flour was.

“The baking is executed by women only, and they seldom began their work till after sunset, and a night or two before the fair. A large space of the house, chosen for the purpose, is marked out by a line drawn upon it. The area within it is considered as consecrated ground; and is not by any of the by-standers to be touched with impunity. “  McNeill, The Silver Bough Volume 3, 1961

The making of them were often made into a loud and fun task.

"As the baking is wholly performed by the hand, a great deal of noise is the consequence. The beats, however, are not irregular nor destitute of an agreeable harmony; especially when they are accompanied with vocal music, which is frequently the case. " McNeill, The Silver Bough Volume 3, 1961

These songs were likely what was called Waulking songs. These songs were most common while beating newly woven tweed or tartan to lightly felt it and shrink it to better repel water, because the songs would keep the women working in beat, so everyone was synchronized in their work.

One large cake was made for the whole family, as well as smaller ones for each individual person. While eating them, they would alternate throwing pieces over their shoulders