Wishing everybody a happy and bright new year where ever you are in the world.
In Scotland on Hogmany (New Year's Eve) we clean the house top to bottom and our selves as it is seen to be bad luck if we have an unclean house and leaving the energy of the old year in the house. No housework s done on New Years Day as that is seen to be unlucky. We also open the front and back doors of the house just as midnight approaches; to let out the old year and welcome in the new year. After the stroke of midnight we have the tradition of "first footing".
The first person you welcome into your home should be dark haired man or else carry a lump of coal to heat the home. The first footer, or first person stepping over the threshold will usually carry a bottle of whisky to celebrate the new year with you.
It is also customary to serve shortbread, black bun or fruit cake at new year. So, many people will usually take a gift of shortbread and other goodies for the household. It is also a custom in Scotland to have a big meal before a night of drinking and singing traditional Scottish songs and other popular songs. The most popular food is usually a steak pie made in a large dish with puff pastry on top or roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding served with vegetables and potatoes.
Robert Burns’ song Auld Lang Syne (syne is pronounced sign and not zine, as the Americans pronounce the word) is also sung at midnight and we kiss our loved ones, shake hands and wish them a happy new year. Though times have changed and not all families go in for the traditional new year festivities. In Scotland, New Year or Hogmany is much more important than Christmas as traditionally partying lasts about a week, taking turns at visiting loved ones to celebrate.
The name for New Years day in Scotland is called Ne'erday ( pronounced as nair-dae the word day sounds different as its sounded like an I in this occasion) and is one of those days that just rolls on from the night before. Waken up, have breakfast where ever you spent the night and keep on partying. A little slower than the previous night as people are a little worse for wear. Generally they may head home to their own house and freshen up, perhaps have a nap and then off to the next party.
Hangover’s are very popular in Scotland at this time of year with so much partying.
2023 Welcomes the year of the Rabbit
