The Origins of Hogmanay: How Scotland Celebrates the New Year
TL;DR: Rooted in Viking midwinter and winter solstice festivals, Hogmanay is Scotland’s world-famous New Year’s celebration. Because Christmas was banned in Scotland for centuries, Hogmanay became the country's primary winter party—featuring torchlight processions, fireballs, first-footing, and singing Auld Lang Syne.
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When it comes to celebrating New Years Eve, no one marks the date quite as passionately as Scotland.
On 31st December, Scots bring in the new year with Hogmanay celebrations.
In this blog, we’ll explain some of Scotland’s New Year traditions and celebrations across the country.
Origins Of Hogmanay Celebrations
Hogmanay’s origins are rooted in the ancient winter solstice and Viking midwinter festivals.
From an etymology point of view, no one is entirely sure where the word “Hogmanay” came from. Some people believe it comes from the Old French word “hoginane”, which translates to “gala day”. This is thought to have been brought over by Mary, Queen of Scots, upon her return to Scotland from France in 1561. However, some theorise it has Gaelic or Norse roots. Whatever the truth of the matter is, Hogmanay is considered synonymous with New Year.
Believe it or not, Hogmanay celebrations predate Christmas. This is because Christmas was considered a Catholic celebration, which was seen as too extravagant during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. As a result, Christmas was banned in 1640 by the Scottish Parliament.
While the ban on Christmas in Scotland was repealed in 1712, Christmas Day only became a public holiday in Scotland in 1958.
Consequently, Hogmanay was considered Scotland’s biggest Winter celebration for over 300 years. (You can read more about how this festive spirit evolved in Hogmanay Unleashed: Scotland's Unforgettable New Year's Extravaganza.)
Hogmanay Celebrations in Scotland
The way Hogmanay is marked varies across Scotland, with many locations holding their own traditions.
These include:
- City street parties.
- Torchlight processions.
- Fire festivals.
- Ceilidhs: A traditional Scottish social gathering that celebrates community through folk music, storytelling, and energetic group dancing.
- Music and dancing.
- Community bonfires.
- Midnight fireworks.
Many areas also follow a unique Scottish tradition known as First-footing. This involves visiting neighbours and friends after midnight and offering shortbread, coal and whisky.
At the stroke of midnight, most of Scotland celebrates by singing the Robert Burns song “Auld Lang Syne”. Traditionally, this is done while crossing your arms over your chest and holding hands with others. This tradition has spread across the UK. (If you want to bring these festive customs into your own home, check out our guide to Scottish Traditions You Can Celebrate From Anywhere in the World.)
Hogmanay celebrations often continue into New Years Day. Some even continue festivities into 2nd January, which is a public holiday in Scotland.
Hogmanay Celebrations in Certain Locations
Edinburgh
The Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh are world famous. Every year, the historic streets are flooded with a torchlight procession. Additionally, live music and ceilidhs create a great party atmosphere throughout the city. The celebrations conclude with midnight fireworks above Edinburgh Castle.
Stonehaven Fireballs
This is home to one of the biggest fire festivals. The streets of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, are filled by fire performers swinging fireballs around just before midnight. This ritual is thought to ‘cleanse’ the area for the coming year.
Biggar Bonfire
Biggar, South Lanarkshire, marks New Year with a huge bonfire in the town centre. This draws in visitors from Scotland and abroad.
Burghead’s Burning of the Clavie
Unusually, Burghead in Moray celebrates ‘old Hogmanay’ on 11th January. A flaming wooden barrel is carried through town and set on a nearby hill. It burns until the next day.
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