Hogmany: Gaelic & Norse Traditions combined

 

During the Protestant reformation, the harsh belief systems of Presbyterians, Puritans and the Cromwell government lead to the prohibition of all celebrations of Christmas, the holiday being seen as “Romish” and indulgent.  From 1640 to 1712 it was banned by law (including in the new American colonies), and remained frowned upon for centuries thereafter.  In fact, in Scotland, Christmas did not become a legal holiday until 1958.

But that didn’t stop Scots from having a good party.  Hogmanay, the uniquely Scottish term for New Year’s Eve, combines elements of both Norse and Gaelic influences. For hundreds of years it has outshone Christmas in Scotland, and remains one of Scotland’s biggest celebrations today. It was celebrated before and during the Cromwellian period, and survives to this day.

The origin of the word ‘Hogmanay’ isn’t  clear.  Some believe it may have come from the Old French word hoguinané, meaning a gift, some feel it is from the Scottish Gaelic og maidne meaning ‘new morning,” and some believe it is an Icelandic term, haugmenn, which refers to  elves who would banish trolls into the sea. Regardless, it is widely agreed that the celebrations themselves were introduced to Scotland by the Vikings who invaded Scotland beginning in the 8^th Century. Whichever work origin one believes in, all three seem to “fit” the traditions of the holiday.

Elements of Celebration

It is considered unlucky to start the New Year in a dirty house, so Hogmany preparations always involve a thorough housecleaning called a ‘redding.’  Ashes are removed from the fireplace and a new fire ignited. Some will “read the ashes,” much like reading tea leaves to make predictions about the coming year.

An important aspect of preparation is to then light a Juniper branch, and carry it, smoking, sunwise throughout the house to clear out unwelcome wights. Some accounts suggest that the heavier the smoke, with windows wide open, does the best job.

A ‘modern’ tradition (since the early 1800s), is for the household or gathering to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at the stroke of midnight. . The song as we know it today was penned by Robert Burns, but was based on an older folk song. The phrase ‘auld lang syne’ literally translates to ‘old long since’ and means ‘days gone by,’ ‘for old times’ sake’ or ‘the good old times.’

“Gifts” are distributed.  These are traditionally coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a dram of whisky.  Each has a positive symbolic meaning for the year; I know of more than one  Scottish Pub in the US that still gives these out, wrapped up so that no one knows what they will choose, on New Year’s Eve.

‘First footing’ (the ‘first foot’ in the house after midnight) is still common across Scotland, where visitors arrive at neighbors’ houses carrying the symbolic gifts.  It is hoped that the first footer should be a dark-haired man in order to ensure good luck for the house for the forthcoming year. This is attributed to the days of Norse influence when fair-haired visitors were likely to be Vikings whose arrival seldom brought good luck for those whose door they knocked upon.

In the streets and towns of Scotland, the celebration takes on a communal, festive atmosphere, with parades (often featuring Viking re-enactors) , bonfires, and general revelry