Scottish Christmas Traditions Through the Centuries

Christmas is a traditional event worldwide, and Scotland is no exception. Christmas Eve in Scotland is observed with solemn feelings because of a significant number of its followers. According to Wikipedia, 38% of the population is Christian, which is the second biggest religion in Scotland. They celebrate Christmas and have different cultural ways. Therefore, this information aims to tell you about Scottish Christmas traditions. 

Christmas Past In Scotland

The first recorded celebration of Christmas in Scotland is a bit obscure. The recorded information shows Christmas was a feasting day in Scotland before the Reformation until the 1560s. According to the National Trust For Scotland, Christmas celebrations were banned in Scotland for almost four centuries.

It is said that Bibalics in Scotland celebrated Christmas quietly during this time frame. Scots alternated Christmas celebrations with Hogmanay. In 1958, Christmas was declared a public holiday again. Scot Christians then celebrated their religious day, and it continues to this day.

Scottish Christmas Traditions

Some Scottish Christmas traditions, such as Santa Claus, Christmas decorations, and a Christmas tree, are similar to those of other countries, while some celebration cultures are unique to Scotland and a few others. Let’s overview these traditions below.

Wearing Tartan Kilts

Scots deeply dignify their history and culture. When celebrating national or religious events, they are sure to wear their traditional attire, a “kilt outfit,” regardless of whether they are Christians or non-religious.

Wearing cultural tartan kilts is their priority after the elimination of the ban. Initially, the kilts for men were standard but now every Scot wears the kilts without compromising gender equity. Today, the attire is typical for men and women.

Bruning Rowan Twigs (Cailleach)

Rowan trees are very common in Scotland, in fact, in every part of the Highlands. They are openly visible in Scottish streets and gardens. Many mythologies are affiliated with them. Protection against witchcraft is the common one. Burning rowan twigs is a sign of positivity there.

The most convenient and suitable time to burn the twigs for Bibalics is the Christmas event. They believe the smoke flies away the bad feelings of jealousy. According to their belief, doing so helps families come together and promotes love and friendship.

Baking Yule Bread

Baking the yule bread is a traditional Christmas practice in Scotland. It was common even before the ban was applied. The origin of this culture dates back to the Isles of Shetland and Orkney. Scots still make this bread to bring fortune.

This is a three-threaded cake plaited in a circle to represent the sun. As a tradition, they add caraway seeds to this dish, eliminating the winter spirits. They hide a trinket to the cake and a person who finds it is thought to be the lucky one.

Yule Log Burning

Burning a Yule log is a Christmas tradition that originated in the 700s during the Viking era. A log of wood was continuously burned in a fireplace for several nights. According to their faith, the sun stood for 12 days. People burned the log to bring the night back. They celebrated the event and danced. The tradition remained a part of Scotland during the 8th and 15th centuries. 

This observation of this cultural practice began again in 1958 when the Christmas ban was removed. Today, Scots prefer to burn the Yuletide log for at least 12 days. The primary reason being to vanish the winter spirit and bring good luck to the houses.

Decorating Houses and Christmas Trees

Whenever we hear the word “Christmas,” Santa Claus and decorated Christmas trees unintentionally flash in our thoughts. These symbols of Xmas are common worldwide. Germans started the Christmas tree tradition when Scots were not allowed to celebrate this event. 

Once the ban was removed, Scottish Christians celebrated this event with the same passion. Nowadays, they decorate their houses and place a Christmas tree at the house entrance or with the window. They add a variety of Scottish Christmas ornaments, such as tartans, tree toppers, and baubles.

Egg Divination

Many folklore traditions are associated with Scots, including egg divination, also known as Oomancy. The tradition started in ancient times when people used eggs to predict their future spouses. It became popular in New England in the 17th century when some famous girls used this trick to predict their future husbands.

Some people call the Christmas season fortune telling, thanks to this tradition. Unmarried people break eggs in this tradition, and the shape of the egg’s white part helps them interpret the future spouse’s occupation. It is considered bad luck if the egg has problems, like the pink colour.

Bringing Greenery Into the House

Adding greenery to houses on Christmas is a common culture worldwide, including Scotland. It was a Scot’s winter solstice to do even before the Christmas commemorations. Many traditional plants are planted or given as gifts to others. Some common plants are Bodnant viburnum, Helleborus niger, Hedera helix, etc. 

Adding greenery to Christmas represents eternal life. Moreover, according to them, it also ensures the return of spring. Green symbolizes the life of Jesus in the Bible. According to their belief system, this shade is an evergreen tree.

Among the Scottish Christmas traditions, traditional dinners are common, while new foods are added over time. Here are some common foods Scots consume on this day!

Cock-A-Leekie Soup: It is a traditional starter soup made with chicken, leeks, and prunes. Scots serve it before Christmas dinners.

Haggis Bon-bons: This dish is the traditional one for Christmas. They are haggis breaded balls with crisp on the outer side. Moreover, they have meat inside, making them delicious appetizers.

Shortbread: Shortbread is also a cultural food for Scots on Christmas. Initially, it was an expensive dish for ordinary people and common to rich people. Now, shortbread is standard worldwide, and everyone can afford it.

Conclusion

Christmas is a religious, popular tradition worldwide. Scots also celebrate this day, but they were prohibited from doing so for almost 400 years. Scottish Christmas traditions arose back in 1958. Now, the Scots passionately commemorate this day, and everyday celebrations include wearing tartan kilts, burning rowan twigs, burning Yule logs, and many others. Furthermore, they cook, eat, and exchange foods with their loved ones on Christmas and other festive traditions.