The Origins of Hogmanay
Edinburgh has become renown for the celebration of Hogmanay. It is believed that many of the traditional Hogmanay celebrations were originally brought to Scotland by the invading Vikings in 8th and 9th centuries – in particular the celebration of the arrival of the Winter Solstice with some partying!
Since the years of the Protestant reformation, Christmas was not celebrated as a festival in Scotland for about 400 years, up until the 1950s. Scots generally worked over Christmas, and instead celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of the new with family and friends. There are several traditions and superstitions – clearing your debts before the bells of midnight, cleaning the house and taking out the ashes of the hearth.
First Footing
An integral part of the Hogmanay Party is to welcome friends and family into the home, with food, wine and song. ‘First footing’ is still common across Scotland. To ensure good luck, the first foot into the house in the new year should be a dark-haired male, bringing with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt and a dram of whisky!
Torchlight Procession
Blaze through the city, accompanied by pipers and drummers, blazing torches and fanfare. Culminating at the historic Holyrood Park. All ages welcome to this ancient Scots tradition of pagan parties from Viking days long ago.
Edinburgh Centre Party on 31st December.
Kicking off the festivities is Mark Ronson’s Hogmanay, in the Gardens at 8.30pm. Alternatively, the Hogmanay Street party (at a lesser cost) on Prices Street at 7.30pm. Various bands, DJ’s and street performers are scheduled to play on the Waverly, Johnnie Walker and High Street Stages. Ceilidh under the Castle, 31st December at 8.30pm – reel and jigs brought to you by 3 different bands.
Click on the link to see what’s on and buy tickets for events in the centre of Edinburgh.
https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/
Loony Dook
If you’re brave enough, why not join in the madness of the Loony Dook. This annual event is held on New Year’s day in which people dive into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth. ‘Dook’ means a ‘dip’ or ‘bathe’ in Scots. Typically held in the morning, but tide dependent, Dookers are greeted by pipers, warmed by bowls of porridge before plunging into the freezing firth. A Scottish hangover cure!
https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/whats-on/loony-dook