Happy Hogmanay = New Year
Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year,celebrated on 31st of December every year, usually in a most exuberant fashion. Celebrations start in the early evening and reach a crescendo by midnight. The bells of Big Ben chime at the turn of midnight, and everyone sings Auld Lang Syne. Elsewhere in Scotland, particulary in more remote parts, Scottish dances, or ceilidhs (pronounced Kayli), take place. For centuries, fire ceremonies: torch light processions, fireball swinging, and lighting of New Years fires, played an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. And they still do. What's most likely to happen these days is that groups of friends or family get together and do a tour of eah others' houses. Each year, a household takes it in turn to provide a meal for the group. In many parts of Scotland gifts or "Hogmanays are" exchanged after the turn of midnight.
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Re: HOGMANAY-HAPPY NEW YEAR
My grandparents continued to celebrate Hogmanay here in the US up until their passing, and we still try to carry on parts of the tradition in our homes to this day, with torch lights, special meals, etc. It is an honor to celebrate this aspect o our Scottish heritage.
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Re: HOGMANAY-HAPPY NEW YEAR
Beth thank you for relaying that story. My Scotch is a little further back.. Maybe someday I'll get to see it celebrated.
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Re: HOGMANAY-HAPPY NEW YEAR
Why not celebrate it yourself. It might be nice to try creating a new family tradition. There are many sources for information that can guide you. God Bless, Beth
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Re: HOGMANAY-HAPPY NEW YEAR
I am a little curious as to why you should mention Big Ben chiming at midnight (actually Big Ben strikes not chimes!) with reference to Hogmanay, seeing that Big Ben is in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in the middle of London, considered a foreign place by good Scots - but could it have something to do with your "Scotch" being further back? "Scotch" is whisky!
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Re: HOGMANAY-HAPPY NEW YEAR
At the moment I'm not sure where it came from. Big Ben is a referemce because of the Bristish Isles that Scotland has been part of for years. Yes my bloodlines came over around 1750s, however I will research the definition more or if you fine one that's better, Please post it here. Knowledge is always being learned.
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