Hogmanay
December 31, Thursday
Scotland
Origin and history
The word “Hogmanay” has a not entirely clear origin: it is associated with Old Norse, French, and Gaelic roots. The formation of the holiday’s traditions was influenced by:
* Vikings and their winter solstice celebrations
* Celtic customs
* medieval European New Year rituals
In the 16th–17th centuries, Christmas was hardly celebrated in Scotland due to religious restrictions, so Hogmanay became the main family and folk winter holiday.
Main ideas of the holiday
Hogmanay symbolizes:
* saying goodbye to the old year
* cleansing and renewal
* hope for good luck in the new year
* unity of family, friends, and community
It is believed that the way you celebrate Hogmanay will influence the entire coming year.
The first-footing tradition
One of the most famous Hogmanay traditions is first-footing, meaning the “first guest” who crosses the threshold of a house after midnight. It is believed that this person brings good luck.
According to tradition, the best first-footer:
* is a dark-haired man
* comes with gifts
* wishes the hosts happiness and prosperity
Traditional gifts include coal, bread, salt, whisky, or sweets — symbols of warmth, food, abundance, and joy.
Fire and cleansing
Fire plays an important role in the holiday as a symbol of light and renewal. In different regions of Scotland people:
* organize torchlight processions
* light bonfires
* launch fireworks
It is believed that fire “burns away” the misfortunes of the old year and brings protection in the new one.
The song Auld Lang Syne
Exactly at midnight, people sing the famous song Auld Lang Syne with lyrics by the poet Robert Burns. Its meaning is to remember old friendships and times gone by.
The custom is as follows:
* participants hold hands
* at the end of the song, they cross their arms over their chests
* then they move together into a circle
This tradition emphasizes friendship, unity, and continuity.
How it is celebrated today
Today Hogmanay is celebrated both in families and at large public events:
* street festivals and concerts
* fireworks at midnight
* parties in pubs and homes
* dancing to traditional ceilidh music
The most famous celebrations take place in Edinburgh, where Hogmanay has become a major international festival.
Food and drinks
At Hogmanay, the table often features traditional dishes:
* haggis
* oatcakes
* cheeses
* Scottish whisky
Food symbolizes abundance and hospitality in the new year.
The significance of Hogmanay
For Scots, Hogmanay is not just New Year’s Eve but an important part of national identity. It combines ancient customs with modern celebrations, reminding people of the values of:
* friendship
* generosity
* respect for traditions
* hope for the future
Hogmanay in other years
- 2021 December 31, Friday
- 2022 December 31, Saturday
- 2023 December 31, Sunday
- 2024 December 31, Tuesday
- 2025 December 31, Wednesday
- 2027 December 31, Friday