Scottish Traditions to Welcome New Year

New Year’s events are exciting. The entire world observes this day passionately, similarly, Scotland is no exception. Scots have their own ways of welcoming the new year, since they have specific traditions to celebrate this day. The traditions range from first footing to wearing traditional attire. They feel proud wearing it since it is the best way to celebrate the traditional event. This blog post will tell you about Scottish traditions to welcome the new year and the best online platform to buy kilts online.

New Year Evening

The other name of the New Year event in Scotland is Hogmanay, which has been celebrated for the last four centuries. Actually, Hogmanay replaced Christmas for almost 400 years when a ban was imposed on Christmas celebrations.

Christians in Scotland then used to celebrate their event silently. Although the ban was eliminated in the middle of the 20th century, Hogmanay or New Year’s evening celebrations are still observed yearly. Usually, the celebrations start a day before the event and end on the 1st January. Sometimes it extends to the 2nd January. 

Scottish Traditions of New Year

When it comes to the Scottish traditions of the new year, they vary depending on the area and rituals of people celebrating this day. However, some traditions are general and every clan of the country celebrates them in similar ways. These general customs include first footing as one of the most ancient rites, singing traditional songs, and many more.

First Footing

Most of the traditions of celebrating the new year means to bring good luck and the same is the story with first footing. As the date changes at midnight, Scottish individuals visit the homes of their loved ones as first footers. The term refers to the first person to enter the house. They believe that being the first footer empty-handed is not a good sign. So, the hosts expect the first footers to visit with some traditional dishes in hand.

If the first footer comes with coal, it represents warmth. Likewise, bringing shortbread or black bun brings the nourishment of hosts for the entire year. Being a first footer with a silver coin means that this year will bring prosperity. Many traditional rituals take place on this night to cover every aspect of fortune. In return, the first footer is not left unserved, but the host presents him with whisky in a traditional dram to thank him.

Redding the House

Confusion usually arises in the minds of newbies when the term Redding the House is mentioned. They consider it painting houses, while the reality here is different. Here, Redding means cleaning, not painting.

Scots love cleanliness as an obligatory part of their lives, but on this occasion, cleaning the home is something else. They clean their houses believing Redding the House flies away the evil spirits and brings fortune to the homes. That’s why they thoroughly clean their houses. Cleaning time lasts until the date changes.

Playing Music and Singing Traditional Songs

You must have seen Scots parading in their traditional attire, having bagpipes, and making the people joyful with their traditional melodies. This practice is common during the daytime.

Since most New Year celebrations occur at night, people sing traditional songs on this particular night. The most popular song is “Auld Syne,” written by Robert Burns, a famous Scottish poet and writer. It is sung as the date changes.

Fire Ceremonies

Fire has a strong connection with the Scottish faith, and that’s why all the events witness many traditions related to fire. Some famous related traditions are bonfire and torchlight processions. Likewise, lighting the fireplace is a widespread custom of the event. Oak or yule is usually the top priority for burning. They consider their smoke to fly away the bad luck from life for an entire year.

Making Traditional Foods

Making and serving others traditional foods on Hogmanay or New Year’s evening is part of their culture. Different foods and drinks are common. For example, shortbread and black bun are traditional as the first footers bring them to the hosts. Likewise, whisky is common to serve first footers as a return. However, many of the latest foods have grabbed the place now. So, Have a look at these foods and drinks.

Traditional Foods on Hogmanay

• Haggis
• Cock-a-leekie Soup
• Venison Pie
• Tatties and Neeps
• Shortbread
• Scottish Cranachan

Traditional Scottish Drinks

• Scotch Whisky
• Champagne
• Scottish Ales
• Mead
• Mulled Wine
• Irn-bru

Wearing Traditional Attire

A common practice among Scottish traditions to welcome the new year is wearing traditional attire. A kilt is a classical outfit for Scots, and they have been wearing it for centuries. They observe every tradition in their traditional dress, whether it is a New Year celebration or St Andrew’s Day. 

Today, thousands of businesses claim to provide kilts, but here we are going to tell you about the best brand offering online services.

Where to Buy Kilts?

When buying kits for any traditional event, we ensure none is better than The Utility Kilt. The kilts are made with tartan, a traditional fabric that Scots have used for centuries. No matter what you want, whether you want kilts for men or women, The Utility Kilt offers special discounts as a New Year gift. So, grab this opportunity to make your day special in a classical flair.

Benefits of Shopping from Us

We, The Utility Kilt, are a committed brand and offer various benefits to those who shop from us. We ensure the maximum possible ease for our customers, whether they are looking for an economical product or customization services. Here are some of the benefits we provide to our customers:

1. Experienced staff who make flawless kilts.
2. We realize everyone cannot afford costly kilts, so we offer kilts at the lowest prices. So, use our promo code to enjoy a discount!

   

3. Size can be problematic for many, but not for us because our experts can customize and modify kilts as per your requirements.
4. We have a variety of kilts in different tartans.
5. Time is so essential whether it is yours or ours. So, we ensure our product reaches you within the mentioned time frame.

Conclusion

New Year’s Eve is a memorable time for everyone including Scots. They have been celebrating this day for centuries, following their different traditions. Some common traditions are first footing, Redding the house, playing Celtic music, and singing traditional songs. One of the most prominent customs is to wear traditional attire, the kilts. If you want to buy a kilt, consider The Utility Kilt because of our different features, from discounted promo codes to high quality products.