Christmas is traditionally the most important holiday of the year, but in Scotland Hogmanay takes precedence. It is celebrated on December 31st, also known in Scotland as Auld Year’s Night. The origin of the word Hogmanay is unclear, but is most likely derived from old French.
Hogmanay Customs and Traditions
Over the centuries many customs have become associated with Hogmanay, many of which are still practiced. It is considered lucky to begin a new year with a clean house and any debts settled. The first person to cross the threshold of a house on January 1st is known as the first-footer, and should ideally be a tall, dark haired man. The reason for this is that, many centuries ago, the Scots were invaded by Vikings, who tended to be short and fair haired. The first-footer traditionally brings with them a bottle of spirits for sharing, black bun (a Scottish fruit cake), a lump of coal and a piece of silver. If a house is visited by a first-footer bearing no gifts it is considered bad luck for the year ahead.
After the bells at midnight on December 31st the song “Auld Lang Syne”, adapted by the Scottish poet Robert Burns from an earlier work, is traditionally sung. It is also the time to make resolutions for the year ahead, a practice which originated in Scotland and has been copied all around the world.
Hogmanay, a Social Event in Scotland
Hogmanay is considered a time to be with family. Many Scottish families organise large parties for relatives and friends. In recent times television specials have become an important part of the build-up to the bells. Scotch and Wry, starring the late, great Scottish comedian Rikki Fulton, was for many years a mainstay of the BBC’s Hogmanay programming, attracting record viewing audiences.
For those wishing to celebrate outside several Scottish cities host Hogmanay street parties, the best known taking place in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh and Glasgow events attract around 100,000 revellers each. Some Scottish communities have special celebrations, steeped in history. Peterhead, Burghead and Comrie all have fire festivals. Perhaps the most famous, Up Helly-aa, takes place in Shetland where locals build a full-size replica of a Viking longboat before setting it alight.
In the first days of the new year it is considered polite to wish others all the best for the year ahead. There are many Scottish greetings. One of the most popular is “Lang may yer lum reek”, which translates as "Long may your chimney smoke."
The significance of Hogmanay in Scotland is reflected by the amount of leave people are given. January 2nd is a bank holiday and many businesses also allow their employees to stay off work on January 3rd and 4th. Hogmanay looks set to remain the most important date on the Scottish calendar for many years to come.
Kevin Guthrie - Kevin is based in Fife, Scotland, where he works as a music teacher, professional drummer and freelance writer. At an early age he ...
