New Year and Christmas are some of the most anticipated and beloved holidays. Around the world, people dress up Christmas trees, prepare gifts and gather at a large table with their relatives and friends. Today we will tell you how to celebrate the New Year in Scotland. Traditions, customs and signs read below.
Hogmani
New Year in Scotland is celebrated, as in all European countries, on the night of December 31. Here the holiday has its own name - Hogmani. Why are the Scots celebrating New Year, while most European countries walk widely for Christmas? The fact is that in 1651 the Church banned the
celebration of the Nativity of Christ. The people did not quite understand the essence of the holiday, and instead of reverence for the Savior, a drinking party was arranged. The church did not like this, and the holiday was officially banned. Therefore, everyone loved the
New Year. It is noted not for long, only 2 days. January 3, the Scots are already going to work.
How to meet Hogmani
How is the main holiday of the country celebrated? The family gathers together at a large dining table. 10 minutes before the New Year, the landlord opens the back door. And under the chiming clock, the back door closes and the front doors open. It is believed that the old year should go, and the new one should enter the house. But what if the apartment has only one door? In this case, they open it. People believe that the years themselves will figure out who should leave and when, and who should come.
New Year in Scotland is one of the favorite family holidays. With the chiming clock, people sing not the country's anthem, but Robert Burns' song For Auld Lang Syne. This beautiful New Year's custom is accompanied by drinking whiskey.
First leg tradition
Scots are superstitious people. Therefore, they attach great importance to the one who first enters the house after the chiming clock. Since all the doors are open for the New Year in Scotland, anyone has the opportunity to enter the house. All people hope that they will be visited by a young and handsome brunette. Or at least a dark-haired man. If a woman, a blond or any person who is endowed with red hair is the first to enter the house, this is a bad sign. Some people even try to contribute to their own happiness. Therefore, even a tradition appeared: on New Year's Day, the Scots do not hire Santa Claus, but a brunette, who goes around the house immediately after midnight. It is believed that the first man to enter has the right to kiss the girl who will open the door for him. Therefore, often in Scotland they arrange such a rally: the oldest woman in the family is sent to open the door, and all the household members watch how the guest will get out of an awkward situation.
Today this tradition already practically does not exist, but back in the last century, everyone who entered the Scot's house on New Year's Eve was obliged to bring a coal. He threw it into the fireplace and wished the owners that the fire in their house would never go out. Today, marketers are trying to renew this custom, but since the fireplaces in most apartments are electric, people simply have nowhere to put the gift they brought. But no one refuses ordinary gifts. Indeed, according to tradition, a guest who has arrived is obliged to give something to the hosts. It can be some souvenir, sweetness or a cash present.
the fire
How is the New Year celebrated in Scotland? The symbol of the holiday is fire. He personifies the coming of the New Year and the departure of the old. On New Year's Eve, the Scots organize a festive procession with torches. They are made of wire and rags. These designs look like huge balls. Anyone can take part in this procession. People walk along the main street, and then they enter the harbor and throw off their torches into the water.
Also, the Scots have a tradition of rolling a burning barrel along the main street. It is filled with resin and set on fire. Such a torch symbolizes the passing year and its rebirth into the coming year.
And, of course, the light should burn brightly in every home. People, not stinting, decorate their homes with garlands and candles. Be sure to light chandeliers and lamps, even in those rooms in which there are no people. Every year, residents of the city launch salutes and fireworks. Sparklers enjoy great popular love.
How to prepare for Hogmani
Preparing for
the New Year in Scotland begins well in advance. There is so much to do. All Scots in front of Hogmani arrange spring cleaning. It is believed that everything old and unnecessary should be thrown out of the house. New but broken things fall into this category. All clothes are washed, and those elements of the wardrobe that have holes are carefully sewn up. The Scots believe that it is through the holes that luck and happiness can escape from them. After floors, windows, and all furniture are cleaned, the decoration of the room begins. It is decorated with garlands, snowflakes and paper flags. A green beauty - a Christmas tree is erected at the most honorable place. It is also richly decorated with toys, lanterns and tinsel.
Festive table
Any housewife prepares for Hogmani in advance. Products are purchased in two weeks. The main decoration of the table is a boiled goose or baked turkey. Mandatory food - stewed Brussels sprouts. Pies with apples, tortillas and cake are also prepared. It should have a round shape, and as a decoration they apply a Scottish cross or a symbolic image of crossed hands against the backdrop of the mountains. But there should be more than one pie, they are baked a lot. And all with different fillings, including meat. From the inedible elements on the dishes you can see the branches of heather.
How is New Year celebrated in Scotland? Of course, not a single holiday is complete without a drink. Therefore, on the table must be a bottle of Scotch whiskey. But women prefer to drink punch. The same, only a soft drink is poured into the children.
Christmas carols
Not only in Russia there is a tradition of caroling. American children go to Halloween neighbors for treats, and Scottish children carol at Hogman. On New Year's Eve, children dress up, gather in small groups and go around the house of acquaintances and friends. They sing songs, read poetry and receive treats for it. Caring housewives bake cakes specially for the New Year. And they are made from oak acorns. These treats are called Hogmen in honor of the holiday.