Although its exact origin is unknown, the rite known as a saining is an ancient ritual. The word saining is from an old Norse word, meaning “to sign,” and refers to an ancient protective gesture not uncoincidentally similar to the Christian sign of the cross. In Scotland in particular, a saining was a ritual of protection and purification, performed at birth and death, and on holy days for the protection of crops, livestock, buildings, and boats.

Saining was also performed for the sick or dying. Later saining rituals involved the use of Bibles and prayer, but the underlying symbolism of the rite is clearly pagan. The emphasis on circumambulation, the repetition of the number three, and the use of fire are echoes of the druid purification practices.

For the saining of an infant, a burning branch or lit candle would be carried deasil — in the direction of the sun — around the baby's cradle three times in succession. In later times, this was followed by three circuits with an open Bible, accompanied by prayers.

The saining ritual for the dead was more complex. After the body of the deceased was washed, it was dressed and laid on a table. The candle was passed three times around the body as before, after which three measures of salt would be placed on the chest of the corpse. The windows and doors of the house would be opened to speed the egress of the soul, and the candle would remain lit until it had burned away entirely.

The saining of the household, grain stores, livestock, and boats was carried out several times a year, particularly at midsummer and at the New Year, and was carried out using a burning branch of fir.