{"id":7581,"date":"2024-12-30T09:39:01","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T09:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/?p=7581"},"modified":"2025-02-28T14:48:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:48:08","slug":"hogmanay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/hogmanay\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the Traditions of Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In Scotland<\/a>, New Year\u2019s Eve is more than just a party. It\u2019s an iconic celebration known as Hogmanay. Celebrated on December 31, Hogmanay comes with ancient traditions and pagan rituals that have been passed down for centuries. From first-footing and fire rituals to saining and singing Auld Lang Syne, we look at the traditions of Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year.<\/p>\n

To give us the insider scoop, we chatted with Jen Degnan, Insight Vacations’ Social Media Lead, proud Scot and this week\u2019s Travel Trivia expert<\/a>. Feeling clever this festive season? Then why not test your knowledge with this week\u2019s Travel Trivia<\/a> game, clues to which you can find in this article.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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For travel inspiration, take a look at our collection of premium tours to Scotland.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Hogmanay Should Be On Everyone’s Bucket List<\/h2>\n

“Growing up near Glasgow, Hogmanay was a day we looked forward to almost as much as Christmas,\u201d says Jen. \u201cOur family tradition was always watching the countdown and the bells on television and at midnight we’d have shortbread and Irn Bru while standing on our doorstep to see the fireworks. I always dreamed of going to the legendary Hogmanay street party in Princes Gardens in Edinburgh and that’s still on my bucket list!\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Scots, Hogmanay is as much a celebration of our culture and history as it is the New Year, which makes it different from New Year’s celebrations elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Cleaning Up and Clearing Out<\/h2>\n
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\u201cWhile Hogmanay is a New Year\u2019s celebration, the traditions start well before December 31,\u201d she continues. \u201cAs part of the preparations for the new year, there are several rituals to carry out, such as cleaning the house and sweeping out of the fireplace. You should also try to clear all your debts before midnight on December 31, to symbolise a clean start in the new year.”<\/p>\n

Get inspired by: Country Roads of Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A post shared by Edinburgh's Hogmanay (@edhogmanay)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>