New Year Scottish
Scottish New Year is also well-known as Hogmanay. It signifies the last day of a year and at the same time, the celebrations and merrymaking of New Year. he celebrations begin on December 31 evening and party running last until the daybreak of January 1. Plenty of customs and tradition are associated with Scottish New Year or Hogmanay.
Some of the most sought Scottish New Year custom are, 'First Footing', 'the Bell', and 'redding'. In Scotland New Year's Eve is also called Hogomanay or Night of the Candle. New Year's Eve or Hogmanay is still celebrated as a very important event in Scotland. Foods such as new year special three cornered biscuits called Hogmanays are eaten. Other foods that are special at this time of year are wine, cheese, cordials, shortbread, bread, oatcake, currant loaf and scones.
After sunset people are collect juniper and water to purify the home. The Scots prepare for the New Year by cleaning their houses. This was believed to have been a purification ceremony. On New Year's Day people of Scotland wake up early to make the rounds to their neighbors singing songs. They are given coins, apples, mince pies, and other sweets for singing. There are a plenty of things, which the Scottish families do to bring good fortune.
According to Scottish New Year customs, people think that debts bring bad luck, so they clear all pending debts before New Year eve. They put Rowan trees at the entrance of their houses. They put a piece of mistletoe in the house, which is thought to bring good health for the whole family. Hazel and yew are kept to bring magical power and defense respectively. Some pieces of holly are also placed inside the house in order to keep away the evil spirits.