The History of Hogmanay in Scotland
From the end of the 17th century to the 1950’s Christmas was not really celebrated as a festival in Scotland, regarded as a Catholic celebration and banned by the Protestant Kirk for this reason. As a result in Scotland most people worked over Christmas and took the time off at New Year to gather to party with friends and family, sharing gifts which were known as hogmanays.
History suggests that in the 8th and 9th centuries the Vikings, with their celebrations and of the Winter Solstice and shortest day were the beginning of many of the traditions still followed today. Indeed, the famous fireworks and torchlight procession are reminiscent of Hogmanay pagan celebrations where bonfires were lit, blazing tar barrels were rolled down hills and lit torches were tossed. In the northeast of Scotland fire ceremonies still take place and Stonehaven is apparently the most spectacular if you want to experience the warding off of evil spirits.
