Hogmanay Customs

The theme that dominates all the traditions and customs surrounding Hogmanay is that the new year must begin on a happy note, with a clean break from all that may have been bad in the previous year.

Houses are cleaned in preparation for New Year as a purification ritual. After sunset, juniper branches are collected and burnt. They are carried throughout the house to purify the home.

Bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits and to get rid of the old year. Sometimes a straw figure known as "the Auld Wife" which represents the old year would be thrown on the bonfire.

On New Year’s Eve everyone links arms and sings the traditional new year song "Auld Lang Syne"

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New Year - Hogmanay

* Auld Lang Syne

* First Footing

* Hogmanay Customs

* New Year Food