Celtic New Year - Van Morrison 🌛 Happy Hogmanay

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🥂 ✨ Hogmanay Customs & Traditions. In Scotland, Hogmanay customs, traditions and celebrations are nothing if not enthusiastic. No one brings in the New Year like the Scots! The word Hogmanay is Scottish for New Years Eve, with the word having it's roots either in French, Anglo-Saxon or Norse/Scandinavian (experts can't agree). Correct pronunciation is more like 'hug-man-ay' than 'hog'. Celebrated on Dec. 31st each year, Hogmanay is a time for clearing out the old & welcoming in the new & this is reflected in the ancient customs & traditions surrounding this transition from one year to another.

These celebrations began during the Middle Ages when religious reformation meant celebrating Christmas was discouraged (Xmas Day wasn't even a national holiday), & instead Scots celebrated on Dec. 31st, with singing, dancing & a number of traditions & customs passed from one generation to the next. They even exchanged gifts as they rung in the New Year. The term 'Ringing in the New Year' references the church bells which rang out in villages & towns across Scotland at midnight, to mark the change from one year to the next. Historians believe that many fascinating Hogmanay customs & traditions have their roots in pagan festivals such as the Norse Winter Solstice, the Viking Yule, & the Gaelic Samhain.

Although some of the more ancient traditions are no longer commonly practiced, there are still many unique, colorful & traditional celebrations which take place all across Scotland on the evening of Dec. 31st. Hogmanay parties & fun often carries over into New Years Day, & even beyond. Scotlands influence on New Year's Eve extends across the world as the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, wrote (in 1788) the famous 'Auld Lang Syne' which is sung with such gusto when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31st, wherever you may be. Hogmanay celebrations aren't limited to one evening, or even 24 hrs. because in Scotland both Jan. 1st & Jan. 2nd are Bank Holidays.

Preparation for the impending New Year starts several days, or even weeks, prior to the big day. It's fair to say that the Scottish squeeze every last ounce of fun out of the big day. 🧹

- First Footing on Hogmanay: Originating centuries ago, first footing may be one of the most well-known Hogmanay customs, and is still very common, especially in the Highlands & NW parts of Scotland. What is 1st footing on Hogmanay? The designated 'first-footer' is literally the first person to set foot inside your home on New Years' Day.. WHO IS THE PREFERRED FIRST-FOOTER ON HOMANAY? Traditionally 1st-footers are preferred to be dark-haired men... this is considered lucky & a good omen for the coming year. Historians speculate that this preference for dark haired men stems from a time when Viking invaders were a real threat to Scotland's inhabitants & finding a blonde man on your doorstep was more likely to cause fear than joy. First footers are traditionally welcomed with abundant hospitality..Scottish Fire Festivals on Hogmanay🔥... https://www.scottish-at-heart.com/hogmanay-customs.html