Hogmanay is a scots word for the last day of the year. The word, Hogmanay, originally came from scots gaelic, with many customs incoporated from the celtic festival Samhain. There are many customs associated with Hogmanay, but one of the most common is first-footing.
First-footing is a tradition which starts immediately after midnight. It involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour whilst giving a symbolic gift, such as shortbread, whiskey, black bun, champagne. The first-footing is supposed to set the luck for the rest of the year.
Auld Lang Syne is often sang at Hogmanay all around the world, and comes from Scottish tradition. Auld Lang Syne is a traditional reinterpreted by Robert "Rabbie" Burns. It's often sang with everyone in a cirlce linking arms.
After coming out of such a big year, 2012, I wonder what will be new and different about 2013. In 2012, we had the Olympics, Presidential Elections, Diamond Jubilee and the End of the World (Dec 21st). However, it's now 2013, Hogmanay came around again, and I spent it with my close family and we counted in the new year together.
On Hogmanay, my family usually have an early dinner, with Turkey and all the trimmings. Then at 10pm, everyone gathers in the living room to count in the new year with each other. My parents will often have a wee drink, Mum will have a glass of wine, and Dad will have a beer. There is also plenty of snacks, including filo pastry prawns, duck spring rolls, and pizza bagels. Before the New Year is counted in, we'll all get a drink and then cheers the New Year together. We then, in true Scottish tradition, all sing Auld Lang Syne. After that, some Scottish country music came on and my sister and I did some country dancing. It was a great night and I really enjoyed it.
Q1. What do you do on Hogmanay?
Q2. What do you think 2013 will bring?
Q3. Will 2013 be better than 2012?
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