Want to learn about holiday traditions in Scotland? It might seem tricky, but you’re not alone. You’re here to discover what makes Scottish holidays so unique.
I’m here to explain it in simple terms and show you why these celebrations are important to Scots.
In this article, you’ll find out about:
- How Scotland celebrates Hogmanay and the New Year
- Traditions for St. Andrew’s Day and Christmas
- Fun customs like fireball swinging and first-footing
Ready to get started? By the end, you’ll know how to celebrate like a Scot and understand why these holidays are so special.
1. Holiday Traditions in Scotland: Hogmanay
Time & Location: Hogmanay (say it like HOG-muh-nay) is the Scottish name for the last day of the year. It is how people in Scotland celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The celebration continues on New Year’s Day (1 January) and sometimes also on 2 January, which is a public holiday tradition in Scotland. January 2nd is a bank holiday in Scotland, but not in most other parts of the UK.
Some people use the word “Hogmanay” to talk about the days at the end of December and the start of January. Not all events take place on 31 December.
Event Details: People across Scotland celebrate Hogmanay in different ways. Many visit friends and family and bring small gifts.
One special tradition is called first-footing. It means being the first person to visit a home after midnight. It is thought that the best first-footer is a tall, dark-haired man. He brings gifts like coal, shortbread, or whisky. These items are said to bring good luck in the new year.
Another popular custom is to clean the house before the new year starts. Some believe that a messy home brings bad luck. People also take out the old ashes from the fireplace.
Fire is also a big part of Hogmanay. A long time ago, people used fire to scare away evil spirits and to mark the return of the sun in winter. Today, people enjoy bonfires, fireworks, and torchlight parades.
In Stonehaven, a town in northeast Scotland, people walk through the streets swinging large fireballs on chains. The fireballs are made from rags soaked in fuel. At midnight, many people sing “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s a famous song written by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet. The song is about remembering old times and friends.
In Edinburgh and other places near water, some people jump into cold lakes or the sea on New Year’s Day. They do this for fun and to mark a fresh start. Food is also a big part of the celebration. People enjoy treats like fruitcake, shortbread, and a rich fruit bread called black bun. These are shared with guests or given as gifts during visits.
To welcome the New Year, many people have a drink. The drink most often used is Scotch whisky.
2. Holiday Traditions in Scotland: St. Andrew’s Day
Time & Location: St. Andrew’s Day, a key part of Holiday Traditions in Scotland, is celebrated on 30 November to honor St. Andrew, the country’s patron saint. He became the patron saint in 1320 when Scotland declared its independence through the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath.
If 30 November falls on a weekend, the holiday is moved to the following Monday. Although it is a bank holiday, banks, schools, and most workplaces typically remain open, and employers are not required to give the day off.
Event Details: St. Andrew’s Day is part of Scotland’s winter festivals, which include Hogmanay and Burns Night. The day is celebrated with Scottish traditions, such as music, dancing, and traditional Scottish food. It marks the start of the holiday season in Scotland.
On St. Andrew’s Day, the Saltire, or the Scottish flag, is flown on Scottish Government buildings. Since 2002, the Union Flag has been replaced by the Saltire on many buildings, but the Union Flag still flies over Edinburgh Castle because of British Army rules. Some Scottish leaders believe the Saltire should fly instead.
In St Andrews and other cities across Scotland, there are week-long celebrations that include parades, concerts, and various cultural events. It’s a time to enjoy traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, shortbread, and neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
St. Andrew’s Day is not only about honoring the patron saint of Scotland but also about celebrating Scotland’s history, culture, and national identity.
See Also Holiday Traditions in Norway
3. Holiday Traditions in Scotland: Christmas
Time & Location: Holiday traditions in Scotland, like Christmas, have evolved. Christmas, originally called “Yule” or “Nollaig” in Gaelic, was celebrated before the Reformation of 1560. After the Reformation, the holiday was no longer widely celebrated.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that Christmas started to be celebrated again. Christmas is held on December 25th every year. The day after Christmas, Boxing Day, is also a public holiday. If Christmas falls on a weekend, Boxing Day is observed on the following Monday.
Event Details: Before the Reformation, Christmas traditions in Scotland were a time for feasting and fun. After the Reformation, many people stopped celebrating Christmas because they thought it was a Catholic holiday.
Christmas came back in the 1800s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert brought in new traditions, like decorating Christmas trees and exchanging gifts.
Today, Christmas in Scotland is a joyful time. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow light up with beautiful decorations. People visit Christmas markets and enjoy festive food and drinks. On Christmas Day, families exchange gifts and enjoy a big meal, often including turkey and Cranachan. Many people also attend church services on Christmas Eve.
Scotland is especially beautiful during Christmas. Snow covers the ground, and the mountains look stunning.
On Boxing Day, many Scots relax at home. Some go shopping to take advantage of the sales. Others spend time with family or enjoy a walk in the fresh air. It’s a peaceful day to unwind after Christmas.
Holiday Traditions in Scotland: A Recap
Holiday traditions in Scotland are a fun way to enjoy the country’s culture. These traditions bring people together with food, music, and laughter. Each holiday has its meaning and shows what matters to the Scottish people.
From St. Andrew’s Day to Hogmanay, holidays and traditions in Scotland focus on family and celebration. They help people remember their history and stay connected to their community. These holidays create special memories and show what makes Scotland unique.