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Hogmanay
The Scottish New Year's Eve
 New Year's Eve has been celebrated around the globe for thousands of years, using countless customs within many cultures. The Scottish though, may hold the record for the number and variety of traditions surrounding this favorite holiday. Are you curious about these traditions and interested in incorporating some into your own celebrations? Good news: you already know and use some!
Of course you may do some without realizing it, such as preparing your house for a party and welcoming guests. Both were once major parts of Hogmanay; cleaning your house would remove the old year, and you'd welcome the new one with guests after the midnight bells. Lots of noise and merriment was encouraged to scare off evil spirits. Toasts and drink were aplenty, and everyone gathered to sing the famous Scottish poem "For Auld Lang Syne." To help give the new year its best start, Scots would also speak aloud plans for making a fresh start...the earliest resolutions. And of course Hogmanay is not complete without its oldest tradition: torch and bonfire ceremonies, still prominent in Scotland and the precursors to modern day firework and light shows.
No matter how you ring in 2012, just remember Hogmanay's lasting ideal: clearing out the old year with a clean break and welcoming in a young, New Year on a happy note. |
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December 31st Recipes
 Try your hand at some of these wonderful Hogmanay recipes (some traditional) from the BBC.
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Visiting Scotland?
Plan Your Trip Around Hogmanay
 Edinburgh plays host to one of the biggest celebrations each year, with numerous activities. It's a spectacular time to be in the city, well worth a holiday get-away. To learn about just some of the events each year, visit www.hogmanay.net. |
Our Next Issue
We're ringing in the new year with a special Concert Series edition newsletter. It's your chance to learn about the performers, get tickets and join the party!
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