Happy Hogmanay

Hogmanay is what the Scots call New Year’s Eve – 31 December – the big night that marks the arrival of the new year.

Traditions associated with Hogmanay

First-footing – to ensure good luck, the first foot to arrive in your house on New Year’s Day should be a dark-haired male. The first-footer should also bring symbolic gifts, such as coal, shortbread, salt, black buns or whisky, to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
Clean the house – to begin the New Year with an unclean house is considered bad luck.
Clear your debts – an old superstition states that you should try to clear all your debts before the stroke of midnight.
Sing Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne after midnight – this custom is a staple of Hogmanay parties across the country (and many countries around the world too!). After the bells at midnight, join hands in a circle and have a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne to start the New Year.