Scottish Holidays


Scottish Holidays

There are many Scottish holidays, and more importantly, traditions that have been adopted by various parts of the world.  For those living abroad, we encourage you and your family to incorporate some of these traditions to honour your heritage and Scottish culture. 

Hogmanay

The Scottish celebration of Hogmanay coincides with News Year Eve. The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but many believe it is derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland.  In Scotland, both January 1st and 2nd are Bank Holidays.

The most widespread national custom is the practice of first-footing, which starts immediately after midnight. This involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a family member, friend or neighbour's home, and typically involves the giving of symbolic gifts such as salt (less common today), coal, shortbread, whisky, and/or black bun (a rich fruit cake). The gift is intended to bring different kinds of luck to the homeowner. The first-footing is traditionally or preferably done by a tall dark-haired man.

The Hogmanay custom of singing "Auld Lang Syne" has become common in many countries. "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem by Robert Burns, based on traditional and other earlier sources. It is now common to sing this in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over one another as the clock strikes midnight for New Year's Day, though it is only intended that participants link arms at the beginning of the final verse, coordinating with the lines of the song that contain the lyrics to do so. Typically, it is only in Scotland this practice is carried out correctly.

All major cities in Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling, and Inverness hold all-night celebrations. Edinburgh has a street fair on the Royal Mile culminating in an awesome fireworks display.  If you are looking to celebrate close to the village of Strachan, try Stonehaven, where a parade of people swinging Fireballs walk along High Street.  The parade ends when the fireballs are flung into the Harbour.

 


St. Andrews Day

Celebrated 30 of November, and is a bank holiday. If 30 November falls on a weekend, the next Monday is a bank holiday instead. Saint Andrew's Day is marked with a celebration of Scottish culture with traditional Scottish food, music and dance. The Scottish flag, St. Andrews Cross, is traditionally flown on this day. In Scotland the day is also seen as the start of a season of Scottish winter festivals encompassing Saint Andrew's Day, Hogmanay, and Burns Night. There are week-long celebrations in the town of St Andrews and in some other Scottish cities.


Burns Supper 

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, occasionally known as Robert Burns Day (or Robbie Burns Day or Rabbie Burns Day) but more commonly known as Burns Night (Scots: Burns Nicht). However, in principle, celebrations may be held at any other time of the year.

A piper generally greets the guests, who gather and mix as at any informal party, or in informal gatherings traditional Scottish music is played.

All the guests are seated and grace is said, usually using the Selkirk Grace, a well-known thanksgiving said before meals.

Grace is traditionally followed by a soup course, where Scotch broth, potato soup, cullen skink, or cock-a-leekie is served.  Haggis is next piped in, and Burn's 'Address to a Haggis' is recited. This is followed by a whisky toast.  After the supper (traditionally haggis, neeps, and tatties), toasts are made (Immortal Memory,  Address to the Lassies, Toast to the Laddies, and various works by Burns may also be recited. The supper is closed when all sing Auld Lang Syne.