Until the 1950s, Scottish people celebrated the winter solstice on New Year’s Eve, otherwise known as Hogmanay in Scotland. “Hogmanay” is a word of French, maybe even Norse origin, no one’s quite sure – but what we are sure of is what Hogmanay means to us Scots…
Looking ahead to the New Year
It’s a time to look forward while remembering the past too, it’s a time for first-footing, partying, singing, and dancing. In the not-so-distant past, a good New Year’s party would go on for 2 or 3 days with the festivities moving from house to house. In fact, in Scotland, we get 2 days of public holidays at this very special time of year.
First footing?? What’s that?!
First-footing – the term used for the first person to enter your home just after the bells at midnight – preferably a tall dark handsome stranger bearing gifts – traditional gifts were a lump of coal, a bottle of whisky (now a bottle of champagne will do just as nicely!), and some black bun (traditional cake).
So keeping this short and sweet as it’s almost time to fill my party Suzie, make the steak pie, and finish the party playlist.
Why steak pie?
Steak pie is a traditional food on New Year’s Day in Scotland.
All the best when it comes! Cheers!
Lang may yer lum reek! (Long may you live)
Sláinte Mhath! (Cheers!)
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