What is Hogmanay?
Hogmanay is Scotland’s greatest national holiday, celebrated January 1. Houses are scrubbed top to bottom in preparation for the last day of the year and as an act of purification.
After midnight, the first visitor ¨first foot¨ is thought to bring either good or bad luck for the coming year. For good luck, ¨first foot¨ brings a gift of wine, ale, a holiday treat or fuel. The visitor should also be followed by a procession of well-wishers who play ¨spoons¨ using traditional songs or recite poems of Scottish author Robert Burns. New Year’s Day is spent visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings and good wishes.
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